In response to changing market conditions the company has been trimming headcount in parts of the business not doing so well and hiring in other parts of the business that are doing well. To date, it has reduced its cost base by a net £20m compared to the prior year. Michael Spencer - Chief Executive

Fusion Contact Centre Services, part of major city employer the BGL Group, has appointed Kate Lampett as contact centre manager. Most recently, Lampett was contact centre manager for Churchill Insurance. Fusion, which handles insurance enquiries for some of the UK’s leading financial services brands, has seen growth in early 2012.

JPMorgan Russian Securities Plc, the London based equity mutual fund launched and managed by JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited, is to continue in existence as an investment trust for a further five year period until 2017, following a general meeting of the Board in December 2011. Alison Vincent is Secretary at JPMorgan Asset Management (UK) Limited.

Mr B A Beverley, a Director at Rights And Issues Investment Trust Public Limited Company, has retired from the Board with effect from January 2012.