• Group turnover up 17.4% to £574.3m (1997 - £489m)
  
• Profit before tax (pre FRS 10) up 20% to £26.4m (1997 - £22m)
  
• Profit before tax (post FRS 10) up 16.4% to £25.6m (1997 - £22m)
  
• Earnings per share (pre FRS 10) up 20.1% to 28.7p (1997 - 23.9p)
  
• Earnings per share (post FRS 10) up 14.6% to 27.4p (1997 - 23.9p)
  
• Dividend up 15.6% to 7.4p net per ordinary share (1997 - 6.4p)
  
  

George Gray, Chairman, stated:

"The Group's enthusiasm for new styles of service delivery and new task content will result in further strong growth."