Aggressive acquisition activity of UK companies expanding abroad could lead to an exodus of senior level talent, according to Chris Williamson, chief economist at financial information services company Markit.

Office for National Statistics data released this week shows that expenditure on acquisitions abroad by UK firms rose from £0.7bn in Q1 2010 to £1.4bn in Q2.

Williamson told Recruiter: “It indicates that companies are looking outside the UK for future growth. If you are looking to expand rapidly, you need to look to new markets. The emerging world, in countries like China, India and Brazil, is where firms are expanding capacity, whether it is organic growth or acquisitions.

“You could see talent leave the UK if companies want their own managers to run overseas offices. Creative companies and service companies in sophisticated service industries, including business support companies like accountancy and marketing companies and business consultants, are the ones moving to these regions.”