Technical recruiter NRL Group’s sales and profits rose last year.

Between January and December, NRL’s sales increased 3.3% to £74m, while gross profits rose by 4.7% over 2008’s figures.

Managing director Mike Barber says: “Naturally, the board is very happy to be able to report these results, especially given the current climate. Trading conditions are proving difficult for many recruitment businesses and in that context NRL’s stability and growth is especially encouraging.

“We have reaped the rewards of significant investments in e-commerce and our infrastructure.  Moreover, we were able to capitalise on the long-term relationships we enjoy, with NRL gaining sole or preferred supplier status with several clients this year.

“We are fortunate that a number of the primary sectors in which we operate, such as the energy industries and public sector construction, have held up well over the last 18 months.”