A peer-to-peer networking scheme helped a restaurant group enjoy a £1 million increase in turnover and double its profits.

The catering sector has been one of the worst hit by the recession but Mountain Range Restaurants bucked the trend by expanding its portfolio last year.

The group, which owns The Swan in Forest Row and The Black Horse in Findon, Worthing, acquired The Coney in West Wickham, Kent, and increased its turnover to £2.5 million.

Chief executive David Downard put his success down to the help and advice he gained through Profitnet, a business support programme for SMEs run by the University of Brighton.

Members meet once a month and discuss each others’ business plans in confidence to identify strengths and weaknesses.

They can also use specialist resources and expertise at the university.

Mr Downard said: “Profitnet opened up a whole world of strategic and practical advice, knowledge and training.

“We are a relatively small company and Profitnet gave us access to big company expertise.

“But best of all, it helped us to make more money.”

As well as networking, Mr Downard went on an innovation training course through Profitnet, which led him to set up a successful ideas scheme with his staff.

He also learned how to utilise his email programme to develop a company task diary, making the business more efficient.

His accomplishments were honoured in the recent Profitnet achievement presentations.

Mr Downard picked up the Star Performer award,while Peter Stanley, of Aldingbourne Trust in Norton, near Chichester, which helps people with learning disabilities, was named Innovation Champion.

Robin Houghton, of Egg Box Marketing in Lewes, and Peter Jenkins of e-Advantage Solutions, based in Shoreham, picked up Profitnet hero awards.

Deana Ward, Profitnet’s business development manager, said the scheme had helped more than 600 businesses since it was launched in 2004.

A total of 117 new products and 95 new services were developed by members in the two years to 2008, while 43 new businesses were created and its members employed almost 100 newworkers.

The average turnover for businesses involved with the service increased by 19% in 2008.

For more information about the help on offer, visit www.profit net.co.uk.