FDM Group PLC - Manchester Training Academy

RNS Number:4290H

FDM Group PLC

12 November 2007

12 November 2007

FDM Group plc

('FDM' or the 'Company')

Opening of new Training Academy in Manchester

FDM is delighted to announce that it will be opening a new training academy in

Manchester, to complement its existing UK academies in Brighton and the City of

London. The first candidates have already started training via distance

learning and will move into the new office on 10th December 2007. On completion

of the training, they become 'Mounties' who can then be placed on client

projects as IT developers, testers or analysts. This differentiates FDM from

recruitment agencies that rely on a common database of contractors.

FDM's Manchester training academy will be run by David Finch, a long standing

and senior member of FDM's team. David pioneered the development of 'Campus',

FDM's on-line training programmes and was closely involved in the original

development of FDM's unique Mountie model. He has a strong technical background

as well as excellent commercial skills.

The Manchester training academy will bring FDM's comprehensive training in

software development, testing and analysis to a new geographic region. A North

West presence will also enable FDM to target new clients and business sectors

and the newly trained Mounties will be used for this purpose.

Manchester was chosen because of its high concentration of students, its

geographical proximity and quality of transport links to other commercial

conurbations (such as Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham) and its exposure to a

broad range of commercial sectors. With the London and Brighton academies

reaching full capacity, Manchester will provide up to 60 training seats.

The Directors of FDM believe that the opening of its new training academy in

Manchester is a logical expansion, following the success of the City of London

academy, which is already running at full capacity. Demand for the specialist

training provided by FDM shows no sign of abating, giving FDM confidence in its

ability to increase Mountie numbers and thus continue to improve overall

margins.

Rod Flavell, Chief Executive of FDM Group, commented:

'Opening a new academy in Manchester is the next step in FDM's ongoing organic

expansion. Not only will it significantly increase Mountie numbers, with a

consequent positive impact on the Company's margins, but it will also provide us

with an opportunity to build our presence in a broader variety of sectors.'

For further information please contact:

FDM Group Plc Noble & Company Limited Pelham PR

Tel: 0870 060 3100 Tel: 0207 763 2200 Tel: 0207 743 6679

Rod Flavell Nick Naylor Archie Berens

Chief Executive Officer

Julian Divett Nick Athanas

Chief Operating Officer

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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