Longbridge profits soar on Asia recovery

It said improved market conditions in Asia had benefited its Hong Kong office. It had also expanded its operations in continental Europe and the UK.

Turnover for the year ended December 31, 2000, rose 50% to 11.7m. Longbridge is listed on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange.

The company noted that growth in the recruitment industry as a whole tailed off in the second half of last year. Commenting on the current slowdown in the market, Robyn Cox, the marketing manager, said: &quotIn financial services we have not been affected as much as many other recruitment firms. We deal mainly with senior positions, where there is still activity.&quot

Sectors in which Longbridge operates include equities, debt and credit, and corporate finance.