International healthcare recruiter Healthcare Locums has announced an increase in profits for 2008.

Profit before tax rose 116% to £15.8m for the year ended 31 December 2008 compared to £7.3m for 2007.

Revenue increased by 23% to £166.4m (2007: £134.5m). The company says growth is continuing, with February’s turnover extrapolated to more than £183m on an annual basis.

Kate Bleasdale, executive vice chairman, says: “2008 has been an outstanding year for the company, with 45% organic growth rate in gross margin achieved in the second half of the year, compared to the second half of 2007.

“Significant developments include the rapid and spectacular expansion of our international permanent placement division, the offshore move of our back office processes and the continued growth in all of our UK locum divisions. This year has started strongly and with a run rate gross margin of £58m (£45m for full year 2008). We look forward to delivering another excellent performance in 2009 and beyond.”