International executive search group Friisberg & Partners International has reported signs of a strengthening market in international recruitment with executive searches for international corporate clients up by over 200% on six months ago.

The group, which recently welcomed executive recruitment firm Zdes i Sejchas of Minsk, Belarus, says the country has seen a rising demand for search, as formerly state-owned businesses have undergone privatisation and now need commercially experienced executives to manage them. The country has also seen an influx of foreign capital, with cash-rich investors looking to identify growth opportunities.

Friisberg’s Poland, Russia and Baltic States offices have all reported upturns in income and new client instructions, while consultants along the Mediterranean are starting to see early indications of improvement ahead with its two offices in Italy 50% ahead of this time last year.

The firm adds that in the past six months Northern and Western European markets have stabilised and are now well into recovery, with Friisberg’s Swedish offices faring well.