Robert Walters has today reported a drop in income in recent months despite publishing promising interim results.

According to the figures for the six months ending 30 June, net fee income increased by 21%, operating profit increased by 3.9% and pre-tax profit increased by 6.7% compared with the year before.

Pre-tax profits were £6.2m compared with £5.8m the previous year, while net fee income increased to £34.8m from £28.8m.

But chairman Timothy Barker said: 'Trading conditions since 30 June have been more demanding. UK contract, our largest profit contributor, has performed well.

'However overall, net fee income for July and August was 6.5% below the same period last year, driven by the weakness in our IT businesses and Asia.

'The outlook for the full year is uncertain, but our early action to control costs will take increasing effect during the second half.'

Meanwhile Ian Nash is the company’s new finance director, replacing Peter Greenslade.