Dominic James

etc.venues

Over the years, etc.venues has received countless awards, rave reviews from clients, and even visits from the Royal Family and Prime Ministers. We're extremely proud of the fact that etc.venues is a resounding UK success story. What's more, we are becoming a global success… Our story began in 1992 when our founder, an experienced trainer, decided she'd had enough of poorly serviced, old fashioned training venues. So, she designed her own. Based at Avonmouth House, South London, it was purpose-built for a far better experience. The approach proved a big hit and, over time, more venues opened across London. In 2006, Alastair Stewart recognised even greater potential and, backed by private equity firm Dunedin LLP, he led the initial management buyout which was followed by further backing from Growth Capital Partners in 2012. Under his careful stewardship, the business has grown seven-fold. In 2018, further investment was secured from US investors Benchmark Global Hospitality and Gencom. This saw etc.venues transform into a truly global brand with the announcement of etc.venues 360 Madison – the first of three New York locations. With the support of a newly-strengthened management team – including Nick Hoare (COO) and Ed Ethelston (CFO) – the ambition is to double the company's size in the next 3-5 years. Last year, etc.venues delivered the landmark opening of etc.venues 360 Madison in New York paving the way for the company's global expansion. However, plans to rapidly expand were paused by the global pandemic. In 2021, etc.venues has opened 601 Lexington Avenue, another New York venue, expanded 133 Houndsditch with an additional floor and led the industry with best-in-class hybrid event solutions. Investors refer to us as ‘pure play' in the space as a service sector. Our clients refer to us as the conference and event venue specialists. It's the reason why we are becoming the ‘go to' for so many professional event planners across the world.