INVESTMENT in key IT will help a Bradford-based recruitment group to maintain its growth.

Specialist People Services, which includes Driver Hire and rail services provider ISS Labour, has invested £1 million in upgrading its IT as it continues to develop technology-led people management services.

The investment includes the development and roll-out of Driver Hire’s new core operations system providing improved reporting and faster usage .

SPS, backed by private equity group LDC, has also invested heavily in developing its online driving licence verification service, and a set of e-learning modules for commercial vehicle drivers.

The group has also made two senior appointments as part of its transition to a technology-led business.

Interim IT director John Keelan-Edwards has been appointed driver risk management and group technology services director. Meanwhile, Andy Hibbert, previously group commercial and sales director at 24/7 Recruitment, has been appointed as Driver Hire’s network development director.

The developments come as SPS confirmed that group revenue in the year to March 2016 rose by 11 per cent to £129.4 million, with all areas of the business experiencing growth.

Chris Chidley, group chief executive, said: “The culmination of this major investment in our technology infrastructure and senior team means we are now offering our clients truly outstanding, integrated and UK-wide services.

“We have innovated in response to the needs of our clients and in doing so, we are able to continue growing the business, providing an even broader range of services.

“We have previously talked about a ‘flight to quality’ in our sector and our strategy continues to be based on the belief that our business can achieve long-term, sustainable growth by creating the infrastructure to offer comprehensive, best-in-class people management services.”

MORE BUSINESS HEADLINES