International recruiter Robert Walters has announced improved results for the year ended 31 December 2007.

Revenue increased 17% to £319.8m from £274.5m in 2006. Net fee income rose to £128.9m from £108.6m in 2006, up 19%.

Operating profit jumped 34% to £26.1m from £19.5m. Profit before tax rose to £24.9m from £19.8m in 2006, a 26% increase.

Europe and Asia Pacific achieved the highest rates of net fee income growth.

Commenting on the results, chief executive Robert Walters said:
“2007 was another strong year for the Group...This increase in operating profit is particularly pleasing given headcount growth of 20%, and the fact that a significant number of new hires are still well below their ultimate productivity levels.”

In the UK revenue was £148.7m compared to £138.4m in 2006, whilst net fee income increased 10% to £48.6m.

Commenting on the UK performance, Walters said:
“All disciplines grew net fee income, with our core finance and accounting business delivering a sharp increase in contractor numbers and an improvement in underlying margin."

Walters concluded: “The Group is now more internationally diverse and multi-disciplined than ever before. As such, despite the economic uncertainty, we are well placed to face the challenges of the current year.”