At the Annual Meeting of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society held on Friday 6th March 2026 at the T3 Conference Centre, Mr John Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said:
“The year ending 31st October 2025 has been a rewarding and prosperous period for the Society, as reflected in the financial results presented today.
“The Society reported a surplus from ordinary activities of £517,663 for the financial year, compared to £449,791 in the previous year. This surplus was before an unrealised gain on investments of £744,844, which has been maintained during the intervening period. The Society’s consolidated unrestricted liquid reserves as at 31st October 2025 are £5,205,722, representing twelve months of unrestricted activity.
“Reviewing the Society’s financial activities, I note that the Society spent £3,474,318 on charitable activities, £72,982 on membership expenses, £292,995 on centralised costs, and £45,015 on investment costs. This represents an increase of £77,020 in Society expenditure compared with the previous year. These activities generated total revenues of £3,939,215.
“The Charity’s subsidiary companies engage in commercial activities solely to generate funds to enable the Society to achieve its charitable objectives. During the financial year, the subsidiaries contributed enabling revenue of £463,758 to the Society.
“During the financial year, the Society commenced implementation of its Strategic Plan for the period 2025 to 2027, which sets the Society’s ambitions as a viable and vibrant organisation for future generations. The Society has identified nine strategic priorities, each with its own clear vision and operational initiatives. The years ahead are exciting as the Charity embarks on a journey to ensure its future sustainability, clarity of purpose and direction, and enhance its reputation and relevance.
“With each passing year, the Society’s charitable activities, including its flagship events, expand, and the Society has ambitions to expand the delivery of its objectives. The critical factor in the Society’s financial model and the use of capital funds must be the development of strong, sustainable income streams. The Society has two diverse subsidiaries that generate enabling finance, and it has invested in world-class facilities that are adaptable and suitable for a wide range of future activities.”
Concluding, John Martin confirmed that “the Council is confident that, with the resources available and the efforts of its staff, committees, members, exhibitors, and other stakeholders, the organisation will continue its beneficial work in accordance with its charitable objectives”.
