Dundee firm makes track listing after profits soar

GROWTH: Revenues at Insights Group more than double industry standard

A Dundee-based people consultancy with a global reach has been included in Sunday Times HSBC International Track 200 as it unveils a period of substantial growth.

The Insights Group, which has its HQ in Dundee Technology Park, achieved turnover of £68.9 million, against £52.5m in 2018 – an increase of 29%.

The group also saw operating profit rise by 47% to £14.4m, from the 2018 figure of 9.8m.

Growth, in terms of revenue, was more than double the industry standard rate of around 11% year on year.

The firm came in at number 141 on the list – and one of only eight Scottish companies – which ranks Britain’s mid-market private companies with the fastest-growing international sales, measured over their latest two years of available accounts.

The list is compiled by Fast Track. It appears annually in The Sunday Times and will be published on Sunday.

Insights chief executive Fiona Logan pointed to the increasing relevance of “human skills” in today’s workplace and the“stick ability” of Insights people development products and solutions.

She said: “Latest industry research shows significant demand for ‘human skills’ training, with numerous industries planning significant investment in soft skills development in the decade ahead.

“We’re pleased to report such positive results, which are testament to the brilliance of our offering, our incredible team of people and our global community of customers.

“Insights holds a special position in the marketplace because we can help people to enhance and develop their human skills, which allows them to thrive in a digitally connected world.”

Insights recently acquired its joint venture operations, which allows it to offer products, solutions and experiences to customers around the world in the local language.

Significant investment is also being made in a digital transformation programme to enhance its customer offering.

The £6.9m programme is being led by recently appointed director Ross Esplin.

The firm counts tech giants LinkedIn and Microsoft, sports equipment firm Nike, as well as Philips and the NHS among its roster of clients.

Demand for soft skills training is seeing global growth of 10% amid an increasingly competitive jobs market.

The group acquired technology company Vidatec, an award-winning mobile app and web development company, in 2018.

“Human skills” are increasingly relevant in the workplace, said Insights chief executive Fiona Logan.