EPIC, the Brighton-based computer software group, says its order book continues to grow and the current year's trading has started strongly.

Speaking at the company's annual meeting, chairman Michael Inwards said the group's strategic decision to abandon computer games and shift its focus to producing online learning material was paying off.

He said: "Demand for online learning from the financial sector and our major corporate clients has increased and we are currently

tendering for a number of major projects. A recent survey has predicted £4.5 billion will be spent worldwide on online learning in 2002 and the European market alone will grow to £425 million in the same year.

"Epic's research, produced in conjunction with the Department of Education and Employment, shows that 22 per cent of all training will be delivered online within two years. As a major player in the sector within the UK, we believe Epic is well placed for growth."

Mr Inwards added that the group's consultancy division was attracting interest for a wide range of activities.

"We are seeing inquiries for both internet and intranet related projects as well as the newer areas of broadband delivery and telephony.

"I am confident this division will see increased demand."

He said the group was encouraged by the strategic investments it had made in other online companies, especially Digital Bridges, in which it was a five per cent shareholder, and which had considerable

potential in the expanding market for providing services to mobile

telephones.

Mr Inwards said: "With the current level of orders and the growing list of projects for which we have been asked to submit tenders, I am confident that we can look forward to a year of growth."

Epic's share price has climbed from just 8p in 1997 to 93p this week.

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