A shortage of high calibre recruitment consultants could impede the growth of the Odgers business in Scotland and beyond, a senior company representative has warned.

Kevin Fairbairn, head of practice at Odgers Select, Scotland, told Recruiter that finding experienced consultants with a broad business understanding is one of the firm's most pressing challenges.

He said: "What is missing? People who have the credibility to provide an consultative service. Many people have the sales ability, but we are looking for more than that — people with great service who are able to draw out candidates' strengths and understand what the client is looking for."

Fairbairn said the Glasgow office is looking for at least three more staff to cement its success and aid its plans to expand. He added: "Finding the right staff is one of the biggest challenges of our business at the moment and the one thing that might stop us continuing to grow."

The comments come seven months after the opening of the Glasgow branch of executive search firm Odgers Select, which works with mid-to-senior management in the £40,000 to £80,000 salary range. Clients include First ScotRail, BAA and the Bank of Scotland.

Despite the difficulties involved in recruiting good staff internally, Fairbairn said the new Odgers branch in Glasgow, of which he is head, is trading strongly: "We have had multiple assignments and repeat business. In the last nine months, Odgers Search in Glasgow has placed five HR directors, including a director of workforce, NHS Borders."

He added that the marketplace is acting with caution, rather than alarm, at the economic downturn: "Everyone is a little uncertain at the moment. My feeling is that the need for clients to go ahead with a key appointment still exists, and will continue to do so."

He continued: "There is an appetite to still go ahead with business, but there is more rigour involved in the process, with firms making sure they absolutely want to appoint the person."