Diversified recruitment and outsourcing business Network Group Holdings saw profit before tax soar last year, helped by an upturn in business activity and the group's cost containment measures.

Adjusted profit before tax in the year to end-November jumped to £1.92m from £0.75m the year before, on revenue that edged up to £52.23m from £52.14m.

The increase in profitability reflects the change in mix of temporary and permanent recruitment and also the increase in revenue from the business process outsourcing division.

Net debt at the end of the reporting period grew to £3.14m from £2.33m the year before.

"The current financial year has started positively with profitability ahead of the same stage last year. The general recruitment environment is showing signs of growth and the board look forward to the remainder of the year with some optimism," said David Waller, chairman of the group.

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