Fircroft sales leap by 32% to £725m

TECHNICAL recruiter Fircroft  has reported a 32% surge in turnover to a record £725m on the back of strong international growth.

The family firm based in Warrington but operating internationally, last year sold a 37% stake to private equity investor Equistone for £140m,

The group saif gross profit rose 30% from £37.7m to £49m, but did not disclose ebitda or pre-tax figures.

Fircroft, founded by John Johnson and now led by his son Jonathan, specialises in recruiting technical staff for the oil & gas, automotive, power & energy, mining and general engineering sectors.

Underlying its international growth was the performance of its Australian business, where sales rose 37% year-on-year. The company operates in 45 countries and generates 80% of its revenue overseas

Chief executive Johnathan Johnson said: “Last year’s exceptional performance saw us break the US$1bn sales barrier for the first time, and we believe we are primed for even greater growth in 2013.”

“Expansion in the Asia Pacific region is a key strategic priority for us now.”