Booming digital sector may provide freelance opportunities

80% of digital companies that responded to Aquent's latest European Market Eye study predict an increase in recruitment this year, whilst 60% of advertising, design and marketing organisations expect to hire more staff. Salaries are also set to rise over the next 6 months in at least 32% of the surveyed organisations as opposed to just 16% last year.

This optimism could also lead to a rise in opportunities for freelancers and limited company contractors. The UK regional director of Aquent, Peter Geary, pointed out that the design and marketing sector was badly hit by the global economic crisis and for 18 months recruitment as good as dried up. However, there are now definite signs that the market is hotting up.

The digital sector in particular is starting to see a boom in recruitment as businesses realise the importance of web 2.0 tools as a way of engaging with customers. 60% of digital agencies have already increased their workforce this year and 45% also hope to increase salaries over the coming months.

France is also seeing a steady recovery in the digital sector with 73% of its digital agencies planning to recruit more staff this year. The Netherlands is experiencing a slower recovery with only 35% of digital agencies expecting to increase their workforce.

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Image: El Alma del Ebro by Paulo Brandão