Public sector boost for Capita's profits

A series of public-service contract wins helped the outsourcing giant Capita increase its profits last year. Pre-tax profits rose 10 per cent to £425.6m as it extended a £30m-a-year tie-up with the Government to help train civil servants.

Capita said it saw opportunities in defence, health, justice and emergency services, with departments under pressure to cut budgets while maintaining frontline services.

Its chief executive Paul Pindar said: "Our major contract sales success in 2012 gives us excellent revenue visibility for 2013. The continued buoyant sales environment, as evidenced by the rapid replenishment of our bid pipeline, provides the ingredients for further growth in 2013."