Celebrating its 35th anniversary, the Island's oldest employment agency intends to ride a wave of business optimism in the wake of the Independence referendum.

S.O.S. Ltd. (SOS) president, Mr. Barry Capuano, said that there has been an increase in enquiries at the firm, and also at parent company, brokerage CAPCAR Enterprises.

Mr. Capuano said: "There were a bunch of employment agencies some years ago, but the recession set a lot of business back. There are only, I believe, about three such firms left today.

"In fact, we were on the edge of closing our doors during the recession, but now we are doing better than ever.

"It was just a secretarial service at one point, but now we have clients who are looking for any number of professionals. We have branched out into all categories.

"You may want a doctor, a lawyer or a president of a company. You tell us what you want and we go out and find them for you. We are dealing with more people who want managers, for example.'' The company is also installing specialised software that immediately tests the skills of secretaries right in the office at SOS.

And vice president, Mr. Paul Card, said: "Even with CAPCAR, we've seen an increased number of enquiries from people about buying local businesses.

"The referendum affected too much of the flow of business. I think people were cautious until the matter was resolved. It wasn't so much which way the vote went, but just the fact that it is over.'' Said Mr. Capuano: "CAPCAR is hoping to complete a deal for the purchase of its own real estate company. It is just another indicator of the direction of the economy.

"I can't count the number of people who are looking at business opportunities now that the referendum is over. And that will lead to more people looking for staff.'' GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS -- S.O.S. Ltd. includes office manager Mrs. Jodi Joblin (left), president, Mr. Barry Capuano (rear left), consultant Mr.

Richard Bennett (centre), vice president Mr Paul Card (rear right), and placement coordinator Ms Heidi Capuano (right).