Executive search firm Executive Headhunters has reported a 75% increase in demand for non-executive directors (NEDs) from its SME clients since September 2009.

Meanwhile, new figures from executive search firm InterExec reveal that the number of senior executive vacancies notified has increased by 46% in the last six months, while the number of senior executive vacancies notified to InterExec by headhunters and employers has grown from 350 in May to 512 in October, a rise of 46% – with IT recording the highest growth rate.