Manchester and Leeds based financial recruitment specialist Watson Moore has announced a recession defying fifth consecutive year of business growth, as the firm once again bucks the market trend.

Netting £2.5 million in fee income across the Watson Moore operation in 2011, these figures show an impressive 25% growth. This has been achieved on the back of a substantial 62% growth registered during an economically difficult 2010.

Watson Moore has established a market leading position in the recruitment of Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors and qualified finance positions. A team of 14 consultants - operating across the firm's Manchester and Leeds offices - is dedicated to recruiting accountants both on a permanent and an interim basis on behalf of companies from a wide range of industry sectors. 2011's buoyant figures bear testament to the 50 plus placements the financial recruitment team secures every month. The firm's 2012 expansion plans include attracting and developing further high quality consulting staff.

Managing director, David Moore observed: "Whilst the recession has undoubtedly proved an immensely difficult time throughout the business community, it has also highlighted the vital importance of appointing a strong finance department, led by a robust and commercially astute Finance Director, in order to survive the commercial pressures. Whilst the economic outlook remains challenging, we are confident of significant growth in 2012 and will be looking to further extend the team, in line with our continued expansion plans for the business."