This is according to a trading update for the year to 31 December 2018, which was released this morning ahead of final results on 13 March 2019.

The results reveal the group also expects a 4% increase in adjusted profit before tax with profit expected to be in line with current market expectations.

Commenting on the group’s performance, CEO Spencer Wreford said: “This result again demonstrates the benefit of Empresaria’s diversified business model, delivering another year of profitable growth, despite regulatory challenges in two of our key markets.

“We are focused on delivering organic growth and in line with this we are pleased to have launched a new brand, 4ward Talent, at the end of last year to focus on the volume IT sector, as well as new office openings this month in Brisbane, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand for Become recruitment in the creative, digital and marketing sectors.

“We are investing around £0.5m in 2019 to strengthen our central management team, including the appointment of Rhona Driggs as chief operating officer in November 2018… We have a clear vision to be a leading, international, specialist staffing group, and are confident we have a plan in place to deliver on this.”

• Comment below on this story. You can also tweet us to tell us your thoughts or share this story with a friend. Our editorial email is [email protected]