InterQuest Confident On Outlook After Robust First-Half Trading

LONDON (Alliance News) - IT, analytics and digital staffing company InterQuest Group PLC on Tuesday said it is confident on its outlook for the rest of 2015 and into 2016 following a robust first half which saw its net fee income and total revenue rise and its pretax profit improve.

InterQuest said its pretax profit for the six months to the end of June was GBP2.0 million, up from GBP1.6 million a year earlier, as total revenue rose to GBP81.2 million from GBP73.0 million and its net fee income increased to GBP12.1 million from GBP11.4 million.

Following the robust results, the company said it would double its interim dividend to 1.0 pence per share.

InterQuest said it has seen continued organic growth and better profitability across its operations and has been working to strengthen its position in niche market segments where there is a growing demand for skills as the economy continues its digital transition.

In the half, InterQuest won three new managed services deals and significantly expanded existing deals, including a major contract with Dixons Carphone PLC, under which InterQuest will handle the electronics retailer's temporary staff recruitment and administration.

"We are delighted with the strong results delivered during the first half of 2015, building on the foundations put in place at InterQuest over the last three years," said Chief Executive Mark Braund.

"InterQuest operates at the leading edge of the analytics and digital technology revolution in areas that are enjoying significant structural growth which leads to increased demand for our specialist services. As a result, InterQuest is well positioned to deliver further growth during the remainder of 2015 and into 2016," Braund added.

Shares in InterQuest were up 4.0% to 90.50 pence on Tuesday.

By Sam Unsted; samunsted@alliancenews.com; @SamUAtAlliance

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