IT recruiter Harvey Nash reported pre-tax profit of £2.6m for the six months to July, up from £1.7m for the same period a year ago.

The company pointed to “robust demand” for senior executives and technology specialists across all its markets.

UK turnover rose 14% to £44.2m. Mainland Europe turnover rose 53% to £63m. Group turnover rose 31% to £121.2m.

Chief executive Albert Ellis said: “Building on the success of these results, the Group has identified a number of possible bolt-on acquisition opportunities in new and fast-growing geographical areas.”