Arena and Convention Centre sees income grow
Liverpool's Arena and Convention Centre achieved an 11% increase in revenue in the year to March.
The venue, which incorporates the BT Convention Centre and the Echo Arena, saw income rise from £13m to £14.5m.
The figures have not yet been filed at Companies House but the Arena said it made a net profit of "just under" £250,000.
Last time it made a pre-tax profit of £104,000.
The Liverpool City Council-owned venue said it attracted 655,000 people during the year who attended conferences held by the Liberal Democrats, the British Dental Association and the NHS Confederation, as well as gigs by Rod Stewart, Rhianna and comedian John Bishop.
The council is planning further expansion with new exhibition halls which could be complete by 2014.
Arena chief executive Bob Prattey said: "To experience an increase in turnover in the current climate is extremely encouraging, not only for ACC Liverpool but for the entire city region which benefits from our visitors and the events which we stage to the tune of £100m each year.
"Since opening in 2008, ACC Liverpool has established itself as a leading UK venue, with high-profile events including September's Labour Party Conference and December's upcoming Paul McCartney homecoming concert proving that 2011 has been another fantastic year.
"The development of our Exhibition Centre in 2014 will allow us to target new regional, national and international markets to further aid our growth as a business and increase our economic strength and profile as a world-class city."
The Arena has also appointed former Paver Smith senior account director Nicky Hunter as its PR and communications manager. She's the first person to hold the role since it opened in 2008.
