Healthcare Locums more than doubled pre-tax profits last year on the back of a similar increase in sales.

Pre-tax profits rose from £3.1 million to £7.3 million in 2007 an increase of 135 percent after sales grew from £64.6m to £134.9m. The company announced a dividend of 1p per share.

Kate Bleasdale, chief executive officer, said: "We have had a very successful 2007 with all key targets and objectives being met. 2008 has seen a strong start to trading in the first quarter, in both our UK and international divisions, and we expect this trend to continue throughout 2008 and beyond.”

The company also announced a major partnership with Emaar Healthcare, hospital builders in the Middle East.