Industrial recruiter Staffline says it expects trading to be ahead of expectations in its latest update.

In a statement for its financial year ended 31 December 2009, ahead of its preliminary results for the period which it expects to announce on 2 March 2010, it says that earnings for the full year will be in line with upwardly revised market expectations driven by new business wins since June and a cost cutting programme carried out throughout 2009.

In its November trading update, Staffline reported that it had a more successful year than originally anticipated in many of its trading sectors, while the group made operational savings through the rationalisation of its branch network, headcount reduction of 20% and a reduction in central costs, adding that the integration of bolt-on acquisitions has also resulted in improved scope to drive efficiencies.

Andy Hogarth, chairman and chief executive at Staffline, says: “Our strong trading performance provides us with the confidence to continue to review acquisition opportunities as we look to invest further in our expansion.”