Reynolds' local employee base has shrunk at least 10 percent since January 2006.

"As the employee base turns over, they're going to get some of the work-rules flexibility."

Also, that they were run within agreed cost parameters and provided a quality service by means of a professional employee base.

Between 2007 and 2009, Alteva grew its employee base by more than 300%.

"We liked the fact that it's centrally located and also wanted to keep our existing employee base."

It has a 300-strong employee base and has overseas branches in some 35 countries.

Its employee base is growing at a similar rate.

"Many businesses came here for the tax benefits and a great employee base," she said.

But as the firm struggles to right itself, it is also losing much of its employee base.

Lehman added 3,340 employees in 2005, increasing the size of its employee base by 17 percent.