HARROGATE International Centre has announced its best financial result since 2009.

The venue’s director Simon Kent said the business was expected to see a profit of more than £270,000 at the end of April and he praised staff and customers for “their faith in HIC” over the past 12 months.

The good news comes after a year of high-profile events for Harrogate, including the hosting of the month-long Gilbert & Sullivan Festival, the first BBC Good Food Show Spring and a brace of industry awards.

Mr Kent said: “The last few years have been difficult for the conference and exhibition industry but HIC has managed not only to keep its major clients during the tough times but also exceed its sales forecast for this year by about half-a-million pounds.

"This shows a lot of faith in the business, not only from customers but also our staff, and I thank them all.

Mr Kent said HIC had also successfully won a business rate rebate in 2014 which was worth £450,000."