According to data from Bullhorn, a global provider of customer relationship management software for the staffing and recruiting industries, 90% of UK recruiters expect to meet or exceed revenue goals this year regardless of continued economic uncertainty.

Bullhorn’s 2017 UK Recruitment Trends Report, which was based on a survey of more than 400 recruitment professionals, also reveals that 31% of respondents have a lack of confidence in the industry outlook after the Brexit vote. Additionally, 28% anticipate negative business implications from government policies, while 53% expect a negative impact on their businesses if greater restrictions are placed on the movement of labour.

Beyond the 90% that expect to meet or exceed their revenue goals this year, nearly a quarter of recruitment companies expect to grow their revenue by more than 25%.

Meanwhile, approximately 75% of respondents also expect hiring needs to increase this year. However, 37% expect growth in temporary placements, which suggests that permanent recruitment will drive most of the industry’s growth.

Data from the survey showed that increasing profitability was rated by respondents as the most important goal for the year (65%), followed by improving management of client and candidate relationships (42%) in second place, and driving top-line revenue growth (41%) in third.

“UK recruitment companies need to be commended for their positive approach to business growth and profitability. Identifying opportunities in the market is half the job; maximising their potential requires stronger, long-term relationships,” Peter Linas, International Managing Director at Bullhorn, said.

While hiring needs are expected to increase, the biggest challenge expected by recruiters this year, and possibly far into the future, is a shortage of qualified talent, according to Bullhorn, with more than 70% of all respondents ranking it as the top challenge.

Bullhorn data also showed that 78% of respondents use a CRM system to track candidate activity and 68% use one to manage sales.

“Adopting the right technology can help recruiters take full advantage of one of their best sources of qualified talent and keep their clients fulfilled at a time when uncertainty threatens to compromise revenue targets,” Linas said.