Recruitment firm Harvey Nash is showing no effects of the credit crunch, reporting pre-tax profits up 31% for the year ended 31 January 2008 and sales rising 27% TO £318.6m.

The global recruiter also announced  that its businesses in the US, UK and Europe continue to trade ahead of budget.

Chief executive Albert Ellis said: "The excellent results for the year reflect our strong market leading position. In addition to our successful organic-led growth strategy, we acquired a number of earnings enhancing businesses and are delighted with their performance."

The group, which is expanding into Sweden and Ireland, is also optimistic for the future.

"The current year has started well with robust trading in the first two months. Overall, our businesses in the US, UK and Europe are trading ahead of budget and the previous year," added Ellis.

A total dividend of 1.80p has been recommended, up from 1.0p the year before. A final dividend of 1.10 pence per share has been offered.