Liz Truss has been elected new Conservative Party leader and next Prime Minister (PM), beating rival conservative Rishi Sunak to the position.
Truss’s appointment has repercussions for the conference industry, with industry figures already calling upon the new PM to keep the focus on sustainability, to solve the energy crisis and recognise the events industry.
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association, said: “The sharply rising energy prices are affecting us all. With businesses being charged 20% VAT and no cap on energy prices, this will have a dramatic impact on our industry and needs to be addressed immediately.
“Events support the local economy. Large national and international conferences that take place across the UK daily rely on local small businesses to support delivery and, in being local, reduce the carbon footprint of an event.
“Yet, some small businesses are seeing increases of 500% on existing energy bills of £140k, which is simply not sustainable. Many are thriving post-pandemic but with increased costs their cashflow is greatly affected so they cannot deliver on their order book.
“We’re calling on the new Prime Minister Liz Truss to recognise business meetings and events industry and the value it brings to the UK economy – supporting international trade and investment.
“Britain’s events industry is large and complex. We need government to recognise our industry and how it can support the UK’s objectives to be a world leader.”
Focusing more on the sustainable angle, Warren Campbell, general manager of 15Hatfields, said: “We’re keen for the new Prime Minister, Liz Truss, to ensure that the government commits to a strong sustainability agenda.
“The net zero target requires energy to be used more efficiently and generated from clean sources. However, increased energy costs could impact our progress to achieve the 2050 target.
“As the home of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH), we’re calling for a raft of energy efficiency measures to be introduced as they play a key role in fighting climate change and reducing carbon emissions, in addition to increasing the amount of financial support provided.”
Update, 14:04, 5 September, 2022
Clive Wratten, CEO, The BusinessTravel Association (BTA) said: “The BTA welcomes Liz Truss to the role of Prime Minister and wishes her success in the role.
“This is a grave time for our country and we urge the Prime Minister to be innovative in tackling the challenges ahead. Work with industries such as travel, transport and hospitality to get Britain thriving again.
“We look forward to working with your new team and making the case for business travel’s vital contribution to our economy.”
