Global staffing provider Harvey Nash Group plc reported in a “trading update” today that gross profit for the full fiscal year ended Jan. 31 rose 5.6% in constant currency in the UK and Ireland, and was up 0.3% in constant currency in mainland Europe. However, gross profit fell 21.1% in constant currency in its “rest of world” segment that includes the US, Australia and Asia.

The decline in rest-of-world gross profit at the UK-based firm was largely the result of reduced contractor numbers in the US, according to the company.

Harvey Nash reported demand in the UK and Ireland improved over the second half of the year for technology recruitment despite the Brexit-related volatility, and the demand was broadly spread across the UK. And the company noted strong demand for contract recruitment and managed services in the Benelux.

“I am very pleased to report that the outturn in the last financial year is expected to be in line with market expectations which were revised upwards on three occasions during the year,” CEO Albert Ellis said. “Last year was an important one for the group, in which we initiated a transformation program to streamline and refocus the business and completed two acquisitions. Our acquired businesses are already contributing to the group’s profitability alongside good levels of organic growth.”