The Hydrogen Group plans to build on its improved financial results by continuing to expand internationally.

The group’s international operations played a big part in helping the recruiter increase its net fee income (NFI) by 64% in 2010. International NFI of £8.8m now represents 32% of Hydrogen’s total NFI compared to 22% in 2009.

Ian Temple, Hydrogen Group executive chairman, told Recruiter that the company saw great opportunities to take advantage of professionals “increasing receptiveness to opportunities around the world”.

He says that the latest research by Hydrogen indicates that over 90% of candidates consider the opportunity to move overseas as important to their career.

Hydrogen sees particular opportunities in supplying senior professionals to emerging and developing economies, he adds.

During 2010, Hydrogen Group placed candidates in more than 40 different countries, says Temple.

Hydrogen’s preliminary results for the 12 months ended 31 December 2010:

· Group revenue increased by 67% to £123.4m (2009: £74.1m)

· Group net fee income increased by 64% to £27.6m (2009: £16.8m)

· Profit before tax was £2.5m (2009: £0.3m before exceptional costs)

· International NFI increased by 138% to £8.8m (2009: £3.7m) and now represents 32% of Group NFI (2009: 22%)

Temple adds: “We are pleased that the actions taken in 2010’s improving market have enabled us to return to the growth levels experienced before the downturn.”