Recruitment companies are among the fastest growing professional services firms in the UK, according to the Deloitte & Touche Indy 100 Awards. Telecoms recruiter Dataworkforce achieved second place in the accountancy firm's table, ahead of 11 other recruitment firms.

The awards were made for sustained growth to companies with current sales of £5m-£100m per year. Five recruiters featured in the top 20: Dataworkforce (2), Resource Solutions Group (8), Logistics & Manufacturing Recruitment (12), Progressive Computer Recruitment (19) and Techpartners International (20).

Resource Solutions Group was 'delighted' to receive the award: 'This award names us as a leader in business,' said Mike Beesley, chairman of the group. 'It is good news both for the 120 staff working within the group and the clients that have supported us over the years.'

Most recruitment companies listed are boutique agencies serving a specialist niche. Alongside the telecoms and IT recruiters who have been making the headlines, other agencies recognised for growth supply the legal, engineering, financial and professional services sectors.

Legal, investment banking and insurance recruitment specialist Longbridge was also ranked in the top 100.

Over 7,700 middle market companies were surveyed by Professor David Storey at the University of Warwick Business School, commissioned by Deloitte & Touche and the Independent. The winning companies attended an awards ceremony held at the Landmark Hotel in London on 9 May.