Multi-sector recruiter the Change Group of Companies witnessed a 58% increase in profits for the first two months of 2010 on the same period in 2009.

Jim O’Brien, chief executive, says: “The first half of 2009 proved to be a very challenging for the group but since October 2009 we have seen a sharp rise in vacancies, both temporary and permanent and apart from the usual Christmas blip, results from the last five months have put us in a very positive mood for the future.

“Of particular note was our accountancy & finance division which has doubled revenues through increases in banking and financial services hires and the hospitality division where despite the recession people seem to have continued to eat out at restaurants.”