A string of new local leaders at the major international brokerages is turbocharging an already competitive recruitment market, experts say.

A number of high-level moves have already taken place and more are expected as CEOs look to make their mark and bring in senior people they can trust.

“With so many new CEOs, it opens up opportunity,” an experienced broking source said. “It’s also about weakening the other organisation, by taking some of their good people.

“In terms of retention, the brokers are offering huge long-term deals at the moment to keep hold of their most valuable staff.”

Adam Higgins, managing consultant at recruitment company Talenza, says costs can quickly spiral, and there are worrying indications of a lack of new talent coming through.

“It’s telling of the market if they can’t find the talent outside of the little black book. I think we’re tending to cycle the same people because the pool is quite limited.”

See ANALYSIS.