Global HR services group Penna Consulting has announced a 103% increase in profits after tax and a 92% increase in operating profit.

The company’s unaudited results for the six months to 30 September show profits after tax rose to £1.7m, compared to £800k in the comparative period last year.

Operating profit rose to £2.1m from £1.1m and net revenue rose to £21m from £17m, an increase of 21%.

Included in the period’s highlights was the “rapid growth” of Penna’s recruitment division, Recruitment Solutions, which saw an operating profit of £1.34m, a 139% increase on the same period last year.

There was also steady growth of Career Services, which saw an operating profit of £1.75m, a 31% increase.

In the financial statement, chairman Stephen Rowlinson said: “This has been by far the best first half performance from the company since the beginning of the recession in 2009.”