Gourmet sandwich company Pret a Manger has reported its first return to substantial profit in four years. 

In 2004, the company made £7.8m in operating profit, before goodwill and amortisation, an increase of £7.3m from the previous year and the first significant profit since 2000. Turnover also rose 15% to £152.5m.

The UK, USA and Hong Kong markets all saw sales growth of over 10% and increases in operating margins. 

Net borrowings for 2004 were £16.9m, £9m less than the previous year.

Pret has opened six new sites in the UK and one in Hong Kong already this year and has 148 shops in total.

Buy this week's Caterer magazine for more industry news and analysis