Support services group Beaufort announced an increase in turnover yet a reduction in profit for the year to March. Turnover was up to £5.32m (£3.93m) as the group's mainstream consultancy activities continued to trade well. A string of acquisitions also aided sales. CBC Oxford Limited, a healthcare education consultancy, was acquired for £1.38m, a buy which boosted the groups client base (new clients now include Glaxo Wellcome, Ericsson, Stepstone). Pre-tax profits were down 33% in the second half of the year to £341,000, mostly due to acquisitions and investments in internet tools and services. Gearing is low at 6.08% although Beaufort won't rule out taking on more debt when it's appropriate.