UK-based international recruitment firm Empresaria published a trading update for the first half of 2017 and said that it expects to record a 26% growth in net fee income, compared to the previous year and it remains on track to meet market expectations for the full year.

Empresaria stated that the strongest trading for the H1 2017 period was in the UK, Continental Europe and Asia Pacific regions.

“In line with the group's strategy to invest in its leading brands, Empresaria has invested in new staff and is bringing together certain brands. The benefits of both are expected to be demonstrated over the coming period,” the group said in its trading update.

Empresaria's acquisitions of Rishworth Aviation and ConSol Partners have been integrated into the group and the Board stated that it is pleased with their contributions to date.

“In Rishworth Aviation, the group has invested in setting up new bases for key clients that are expected to deliver growth in terms of pilot recruitment in the coming years,” the company said in its trading update. “At ConSol Partners, the group has invested in the US office which the Board expects will benefit the business in the second half of the year.”

Joost Kreulen, Chief Executive of Empresaria, commented, "Empresaria has delivered strong growth in net fee income in the first half year, which is testament to our strategy of building a multi-branded group that is diversified and balanced by geography and sector.”

"We are focused on ensuring that our group is best positioned for the future, particularly given the political uncertainty in various markets. In light of this we have continued to strengthen our brands and progress initiatives to deliver savings,” Kreulen said. “We have a clear strategy to develop leading specialist brands with sector expertise and we continue to look for further investment opportunities. With our diversified business and mix of service lines, we are confident in our ability to deliver profitable growth."

Empresaria will publish its interim results on 22 August 2017.

As of last trade Empresaria Group traded at £153.33, down 4.66% on the day and 9.78% below its 52-week high of £169.95, set on 31 May 2017. Based on its current share price the company has a market value of £71.81 million.