The final results were slightly higher than the figures predicted in an interim statement in May, when the firm said revenue would be up by 23%.

Repeat business was responsible for 92% of revenue and 237 new clients were added during the period. Operating profit for the six-month period was up 46% to £4m and operating margin was 16.9% compared to 14.3% in 2008.

Research Now chief executive Chris Havemann (pictured) said: “Our first half results are excellent, especially as they were achieved against such a weak economic backdrop…Looking forward, we remain positive that 2009 will be another year of profitable growth. We’re nimble enough to react to toughening conditions, yet our global spread affords protection and the dynamics of our marketplace remain exciting. We have terrific opportunities ahead of us.”

The firm said that the Asia Pacific region performed “very strongly” and saw underlaying sales growth of 26.8%, with that figure standing at 14.1% and 8.7% in Europe and North America respectively.