"Very few of our clients are looking to fill posts in the UK but they are actively seeking to bolster their teams elsewhere. It does beg the question: What's going on?"

Collingwood's experience appears to reflect the growing consensus that Britain is still trailing the rest of Europe in slowly struggling out of recession. Third quarter figures released at the end of last year showed the eurozone is moving on, with Germany leading the way.

Even Italy, which has been one of the worst-hit European countries, returned to growth, as did the Netherlands. Spain, which has experienced a huge slump in its construction and housing market, remained in recession but its economy shrank at a slower pace.

"We are being asked to fill some really significant roles; a managing director for a defence manufacturer in France, an operations director for a telecoms equipment manufacturer in Spain as well as senior business development roles Europe wide," said Doug.

"Everyone is looking at improving their productivity to stay competitive, but it's not happening in Britain on the same scale and I think that's significant."

"It's a sign to UK businesses that we have to look beyond our own shores and be prepared to travel to find new opportunities."

Final quarter figures have yet to be published but speculation is growing that Britain may already have moved out of recession. Latest data from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) is fuelling the belief that the economy will have returned to growth in the final quarter of 2009.

Christmas did much to bring that glimmer of hope, with major retailers such as Marks & Spencer and Next reporting better than expected results. Even the supermarket chain Sainsbury's held its own against its larger rivals.

The supermarket's bestsellers this year?  Belgian chocolates and Champagne...