VisitBritain’s The Business Events Growth Programme has officially reopened for 25/26.
The VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme is a strategic initiative supporting the attraction and development of international business events in Britain.
The programme includes Candidate City Bid Support for potential new association congresses working in partnership with British cities, and International Delegate Growth funding for confirmed congresses and B2B trade shows working with cities and organisers.
The events are in national priority sectors such as medical and life sciences, technology, creative services, advanced manufacturing, energy transition, and education.
Between 2018 and 2023, the programme supported 62 potential or confirmed events across 18 UK cities, generating a direct economic return of £45.5m and an ROI of 33:1.
This has continued to be strengthened in the last two years (23/24-24/25), with a further 65 events across 12 cities receiving support, with impact results pending evaluation once most events have taken place.
Applications are assessed by an independent expert panel and must comply with Grant Management rules – plus include detailed evidence of sustainability measures such as public transport use, local sourcing, and environmental mitigation planning working with the venue.
The programme also uses the VisitBritain BE-Impactful Framework for applicants to outline wider impact indicators through eight capitals – human, social, intellectual, financial, cultural, built, political, and natural.
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