SEC forecasting best year yet after strong growth – Daily Business

Scottish Event Campus (SEC) chief executive Dominic McKay has forecast that 2026 will be its most successful year.

The former Scottish Rugby and Celtic FC CEO began work at the exhibition and entertainment venue last May and announced that “there are clear ambitions for the future, and undeniable scope for further growth”.

He expects the Commonwealth Games and music events featuring the likes of Richard Ashcroft, Paul Simon, David Byrne, Gorillaz, Tame Impala and Olivia Dean will build on the Glasgow facility’s “world class” reputation.

The SEC last year celebrated its 40th anniversary and its three venues – the SEC Centre, the OVO Hydro, and the SEC Armadillo – hosted a diverse range of events from top music acts to the Van Gogh immersive experience.

There were 136 performances at the Ovo Hydro, including Kylie Minogue, Take That and Lionel Richie. This was up 20 on the previous year. The campus also hosted 50 exhibitions (up 12) and 41 meetings. Visitor numbers rose to two million, from 1.8m.

Turnover for the year to the end of March 2025 grew 30% year on year to £54.4 million (from £41.8m), EBITDA increased to £7m from £2.3m. Profit before tax reached £6.5m from £2m.

The net additional expenditure in Glasgow was estimated at £557m, in Scotland £385m and in the UK, £304m.

During the year, the SEC invested £4.2m (2024: £4.4m) in infrastructure including the largest technology investment in the venue’s history.

“As conference and event organisers increasingly seek advanced technological capabilities, this
enhancement will ensure the venue remains at the leading edge, ready to support the most sophisticated and high-tech exhibitions and shows,” said Mr McKay.

“The enhanced infrastructure creates a strong position for the future, with the campus now able to cater to events requiring several times the technological demands of recent large-scale gatherings such as COP26.”

As well as providing live entertainment, the Hydro provides an income opportunity from commercial activities including sponsorship and hospitality. The SEC recently extended some of its long standing partnerships as well as adding Sky as a partner.

Mr McKay added: “The SEC is in great shape. 2025 was a brilliant year for the Campus, with a strong financial performance and continued growth across live entertainment, conferences and events.

“Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be our most successful year yet, as we prepare to welcome world-class events including the Commonwealth Games and major artists such as Richard Ashcroft.

“We’re also ensuring the Campus continues to evolve and develop to deliver even greater value and enhance our position as a world-class, innovative international suite of venues.”