Cash boost for town’s conference centre

BUSINESS and civic leaders have renewed their commitment to Harrogate’s economy after the spa town’s international centre, which is currently recording a £1m annual loss, has announced a vitally-needed boost.

Harrogate International Centre (HIC) has announced it has secured a number of new events which will bring in over £500,000 to the venue and significant economic benefit to the town and district.

The events, which are from the medical, education and financial sectors, are planned in over the next four years and form part of an on-going programme of exhibitions and conferences already booked.

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The news has been welcomed as a vital boost following a raft of job losses at the HIC after it recorded a loss of more than £1m in 2010, with a similar figure expected to be announced for this year.

Angus Houston, director at HIC, said: “These new wins are great news.

“We are welcoming a number of new clients to the venue as well as consolidating existing business with key clients.

“The conference and exhibition market remains challenging as budgets continue to be cut across the country. But this new business proves we are starting to see some movement in the market, and reaffirms the attractive nature of Harrogate as a destination as well as a world class venue.”

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The HIC, which is owned and operated at arm’s length by the council, is worth around £180m a year to the Harrogate economy and attracts 260,000 visitors annually to conference, exhibition and entertainment events.

Earlier this week, at a presentation to the Harrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the leader of Harrogate Council, Coun Don Mackenzie, said efficiency savings at the HIC were vital to ensure its future.

“This was a painful process, but one, which was essential and in the interests of our taxpayers, who are picking up the bill,” he said.