Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has reported a strong set of financial results for 2024-25, which also saw the appointment of a new CEO as well as new board members and executive directors.
In the year to the end of March, 2025, turnover rose 30% to £54.4 million, EBITDA rose to £7 million and operating profit reached £4.1 million.
More than two million visitors, clients and delegates were attracted to the SEC’s venues as it generated more than £557 million of economic value for Glasgow and Scotland.
“With all five business sectors – live, conferences, exhibitions, events and commercial – continuing to grow, such an excellent set of results has provided a strong foundation to take one of Europe’s premier events, entertainment, conferences and exhibitions campus’ forward and begin delivering our refreshed business strategy, Creating Incredible,” said the SEC.
New SEC CEO Dominic McKay said: “2024/25 saw an increase in the number of events our teams delivered across our four business sectors – live, conferences, exhibitions, and our QD Events business.
“The highlight from our conferences sector was hosting the prestigious Interpol 2024 General Assembly showcasing our ability to keep attracting the world’s most prestigious inter-governmental events to our Campus.
“Overall, the conference sector delivered ten international events and a multitude of large UK conferences and corporate meetings – 41 in total.
“There were 12 more exhibitions during the year than in the previous 12 months, taking the total to 50. These included a 47-day run of Beyond Van Gogh, HYROX bringing in more than 40,000 competitors over the course of two days in March, and the annual exhibitions run by our events management subsidiary, QD Events.
“Our live entertainment sector hosted 136 performances in the OVO Hydro, an increase of 20 on the previous year. This venue continues to be one of the world’s busiest and best arenas with over one million tickets sold annually and the recertification of its Commended Greener Arena status.
“Demand for hospitality products remained strong during the year in the OVO Hydro too, boosted by the opening of our new SKY VIP Lounge. Since joining, I have made a series of appointments, strengthening our Executive team.
“We have welcomed a new Director of People, Fiona Campbell-Downes, and Interim Director of Finance, Stewart Roberts to the team. Our long-serving Director of Live Entertainment, Debbie McWilliams has been promoted to Chief Commercial Officer.
“In addition, during the period 2024/25 we continued to invest in the wider team to ensure we can provide the best service levels for our clients. Finally, thank you to our Chair, Morag and the SEC Board for their commitment to developing and growing the SEC for the benefit of Scotland.”