Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

Manchester Central prepares for Co-op Live competition as pandemic bounce back continues

Conference, exhibitions and events venue Manchester Central is preparing to face competition from the new £365m Co-op Live arena when it opens in December this year.

The city centre venue is continuing its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic when it served as a Nightingale Hospital until returning to normal trading in June 2021.

In recent years Manchester Central has also faced increased competition from the likes of Manchester City's Etihad Stadium and Lancashire Cricket's Old Trafford stadium hosting events and concerts.

READ MORE: Click here to sign up to the BusinessLive North West newsletter

The AO Arena is also undergrowing a major investment project in order to enhance its offer to customers.

The Co-op Live arena, a joint venture between Oak View Group, Manchester City's owner and pop star Harry Styles, is expected to open by the Etihad stadium at the end of 2023.

On the competition, Manchester Central said: "The business operates in a competitive and evolving environment.

"There are new entrants to the conference and exhibition market from other sectors through the repurposing of space to accommodate events in non-traditional venues, for example sports stadia.

"Traditional venues are also investing in their facilities to meet the evolving needs of customers as the event landscape changes.

"The principal competitive risk is the possibility of business being lost to these venues both in the UK and internationally."

According to newly-filed accounts for Manchester Central, the business increased its turnover from £11.3m to £16.9m in the year to March 31, 2022. Its pre-tax profits also rose from £755,000 to £2m.

A statement signed off by the board said: "The company will continue to invest in maintaining and improving event delivery standards and booking levels to increase sales and profitability and generate enhanced shareholder return.

"The company will also continue to operate in a manner which is sensitive to its position within the city of Manchester, as a key driver of business tourism, with appropriate consideration given to its social and environmental responsibilities."

Manchester Central also provides retail catering, hospitality and event services to Manchester Town Hall and Central Library as well as catering and event services at the Runway Visitor Park at Manchester Airport.

READ MORE:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.