Technical recruiter Matchtech expects good growth in 2008, according to its trading update.

The group estimates overall growth at 23% in 2008 on the same period last year, with 23% growth in engineering, 25% in built environment and 21% in support services.

Contract recruitment is expected to represent 68% of net fee income this year.

George Materna, chairman of Matchtech, said: "I am pleased to report that the group has maintained the strong first half performance throughout the second half of the year.  We are still seeing encouraging demand for staff across a broad range of clients and sectors and the limited pool of skilled resource that is available has ensured that rates have been maintained."