Jerry Brand’s Host Contract Management has made its first annual profit since being set up more than four years ago.

Brand, who was the major shareholder in Russell & Brand and later went on to set up and subsequently sell restaurant chain Orange Balloon with chef Brian Turner, launched Host in 2004.

The company’s recently-filed accounts for the year to 31 December 2008 at Companies House show Host delivered its first annual profit of £54,739 (2007: loss of £141,187).

Turnover for 2008 was £24.2m compared with £15.8m a year earlier and the company had 591 employees (2007: 466).

Brand said he believed the business has now entered “adulthood” and was well placed to prosper during the recession.

The accounts do not include figures for Caternet, the web-based management system co-developed and championed by Brand.

Caternet, which includes e-procurement and accounting software, was separated from Host’s accountants last year and set up in its own right.

Host catering sees bright future in care homes >>

Host boosts its management infrastructure >>

Sanctuary signs up to new e-system >>

MPs criticism of catering contracts must not be ignored >>

Brand awareness: Jerry Brand's new venture, Host >>

Brand sells up at Orange Balloon >>

By Chris Druce

E-mail your comments to Chris Druce here.

Caterersearch.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Caterersearch.com