While group revenues rose 10% over the year to £1.89bn, this failed to translate into bottom-line growth with pre-tax profit down nearly a third to £37m.

The rise in revenue at the group was driven by mainly UK growth, which jumped by 17% to £710m.

The increase in activity saw average monthly headcount rise again after pandemic cuts, up by nearly 600 staff to 15,517.

Despite the fall in profit, global profit share among staff jumped to its highest level at £143m, compared with £98m in the prior year.

The highest paid director’s salary and benefits package rose to £1m, up 25% on the previous year.