Premier Global, the parent group of Premier Training International and Active IQ, has declared operating profits of £3.1m for its 2013 financial year.

The figure represents growth of 85 per cent on the previous year and is the latest example of companies in the health and fitness sector rebounding strongly as the UK emerges from recession.

Premier’s profits were the result of strong trading years for Premier Training and Active IQ, which both saw revenue increases as the posted a combined figure of £10.8m, a four per cent increase on 2012. The results were also aided by Active IQ’s expansion into sectors beyond that of purely active leisure; offering business, administration and healthcare qualifications to employers and providers.

“In the last few months, the economy has really started moving, but our strategy throughout the financial year was to remain aggressive; to ensure that the Premier Global Group offering was in sync with the consumer and B2B demands of the health and fitness industry,” said Debra Stuart, CEO of Premier Global.

“The group has continued to invest heavily in new courses and qualifications, and we very much intend to take this approach into the next year. In addition, both Premier and Active IQ will be looking to pursue international opportunities as a means to expand the range and scope of the respective companies.”

Premier Training International has recently launched a new version of its flagship Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training, while Active IQ, now in its tenth year, has revealed its 100th qualification to be accredited will be XPERT Pole Fitness.