Companies: CPS   

Irish employment services business CPL unveiled a powerful performance for the year to 30 June despite difficult trading conditions. Pre-tax profits jumped 12.7% to Û5.15m on sales boosted by 34.6% to Û35m, with net fee income leaping 30% to Û15.6m. Chief executive Anne Heraty said the results were the group's best yet, with IT contractors on assignment rising 24% to 195 and strong organic growth achieved across the technology, finance and accounting, office support and pharmaceutical sectors. Weaknesses in the technology division were offset through a diversification strategy with the acquisition of Careers Register, an Irish recruitment firm specialising in accountancy and the financial sector, and a broadening of services to existing clients, reducing exposure to the tech slump. Earnings per share rose 18.3% to 11 cents.