Following the success of an event held by fashion retailer Joules; Harrogate International Centre has been focussing on new business within the retail sector.
Angus Houston, director (pictured right) of Harrogate International Centre, said:
Despite the on-going challenges faced by retailers, we have significantly increased our share of retail related events during the last three months. These include new signings as well as additional business from old clients. Harrogate is synonymous with a high quality retail experience so it is no surprise we are an ideal location for brands wishing to engage with key audiences.
In total, the retail events will bring at least £350,000 worth of revenue to HIC and bringing in almost 7000 visitors to the town over the next 12 months.
The new business includes:
- Joules – their “Big Sale“
- Ann Summers – trade show
- PartyLite – trade show
- A large builders merchant – trade show
In addition a further £80,000 of business has been won in other sectors:
- In the consumer sustainability market, The Renewables Road Show will showcase the latest in environmentally friendly energy.
- The venue’s success in the medical arena continues with The British Geriatrics Society contracting for 2 years.
Angus concludes:
With our new halls opening in just a few weeks, interest in events at HIC remains buoyant and we are currently seeing a high volume of in-bound enquiries. Customers are time and again commenting on their need for a flexible and friendly yet professional venue, with world class facilities located right in the middle of the country.
The centre brings in many thousands of people and millions in revenue to the town and we have been focussing on retail as another sector to develop here at HIC.
Harrogate International Centre’s new halls will open in November, 2011, providing two new flexible event spaces to complement the already comprehensive exhibition and conference facilities available at the centre.
The conference centre had no business for 9 weeks over the summer, has had nothing for the last two weeks and one small conference in December.
The conference centre is disaster at the moment and effecting the whole town.
How did the HIC lose the Christmas fair in december ?