Capita Group, perhaps best known as an outsource provider in the public sector, continues to turn in strong figures - and continues to grow rapidly.

Interim results for the period ending 30 June showed a 27% rise in turnover, to £150M, and a 35% increase in pre-tax profit.

In addition to several landmark contracts, notably a five-year agreement to design, build and operate the first local government integrated customer services call centre (for Hertfordshire County Council) and the largest ever local government payroll outsourcing deal (for Kent County Council), Capita also marked 1999 with a string of acquisitions.

Included in these multi-million pound moves were:

• Edward Roscoe Associates, a telecoms consultancy specialising in mobile networks in the UK and Europe
• Capstan, an HR specialist in the education sector
• Oldham & Tomkins, a placement service for professional IT staff
• MPM Adams, project management consultants with a strong PFI track record.

Capita's stated goal is to be the "natural partner" for client organisations seeking to transform their business.

Elliott Chase