LONDON (ShareCast) - Expansion in mainland Europe and Australia helped IT staff specialist Spring Group lift pre-tax profits by more than 50% in the first half.

Pre-tax profits in the six months to June 30 jumped to £3.4m from £2.2m on revenues that climbed to £250.5m from £190.5m.

The company added more than 250 consultants to its pay roll and now employs over 770.

In addition to new offices in the UK it entered the French, Italian, German and Australian markets.

“We have continued to invest in our leadership teams, offices and sales staff,” chief executive Peter Searle said.

“We are not complacent about the apparent slowing of UK economic growth and falling consumer confidence. However, we are confident that we have a business which is robust and efficient enough to continue to deliver sustainable profitable performance throughout the economic cycle and exploit growth opportunities as they arise.”

• News Channel