Contingency recruiters are increasingly turning to researchers to source candidates and improve the quality of their databases, according to the directors of Talent Works UK.

"Executive search companies have recruited like this for years but it's new for contingency recruiters to be doing this. We have seen an increased trend over the fast four months," says managing director Neil Purcell.

"We are regularly educating contingency recruiters to use this service because it is alien to them. However, it's not difficult to sell it to them when they understand the business benefits.

"The dream of advertising and receiving 40 responses just doesn't happen. If you have a specific role we can find people with the right skills set. Cost versus output we're better value for money."

Talent Works completes its work by mapping industry sectors and the people currently filling roles. It devises resourcing plans to target specific people.