A COMPUTER training group with offices in the region has returned to profit and seen turnover climb 16 per cent, despite a weakening training market.

Xpertise, which delivers more than 300 IT training courses from its centre in Washington, Wearside, saw turnover rise from £13.2m to £15.3m in the past year.

The group achieved profits of £201,000 for the year, compared to a loss of £349,000 in 2004.

Managing director Ian Johnson said Xpertise would continue to grow organically this year, helped by the recent acquisition of Wiltshire training business Watermans.

Xpertise provides the UK's widest range of authorised IT training from its six centres in London, Thames Valley, Leeds, Manchester, Leicestershire and Wearside and employs about 90 people.