A TRAINING company has announced plans to increase its turnover five-fold and create 50 jobs.

Talent Training, at the Team Valley, Gateshead, provides a range of training packages for clients across the country. It expects to see turnover rise from £1m to £5m in the next year.

Managing director David Harper said it would be achieved through acquisitions and contract wins.

He said: "We are exploring the possibility of opening offices in London and Scotland and further expanding in the North-East."

The company, formed in 2001 as Training DynamiX, is undergoing its largest recruitment drive to date, to increase its staff numbers from 25 to 75.

Mr Harper said: "Operationally, we now have our team in place, but we are continuing to recruit in line with our expansion plans.

"We are determined to recruit people with an in-depth knowledge of the learning and developing industry to ensure that our clients receive the best possible service."

Talent Training, which is part of Talent Group, provides training and qualifications in areas ranging from engineering and manufacturing to management and leadership skills.

The firm recently won a number of major contracts with clients that include Parkdene Holidays, Asda, Newcastle International Airport, The Officers Club, Kingston Communications, Komatsu and Prestwick International Airport.