Nearly one half (45%) of UK accounting firms expect to increase their activity over the next 12 months, but warn that it will be tougher to recruit the right people.

A survey by recruiter ECHM found that 45% of respondent expect to recruit more heavily in the next year with a further 39% expecting to maintain recruitment levels.

However, 54% are finding it tougher to recruit the right people than they did a year earlier.

'As the war for finance talent shows no signs of abating, companies are looking beyond basic salary to more innovative and proactive methods for attracting the very best talent,' said Kirsten MacLeod, operations director of ECHM. 'They are working hard to raise the profile of their employer brands and improve the overall employee experience.'