The UK’s political scene has been chaotic for some time, highlighted by the prime minister of Australia pointing out that in his two years in power he has met four UK prime ministers. The landslide victory achieved by The Labour Party in the 4 July General Election will give them the power to take the affirmative actions that the Conservatives have avoided for most of their 14 years in power.
Throughout the UK events sector, leaders have been voicing their thoughts about what needs to happen now. We share these with you below:
Steve Jones, CEO of Wyboston Lakes Limited
“The arrival of new MPs offers a major opportunity for the meetings and events industry to educate them about our challenges.
“Recent challenges include high inflation from the Ukraine war, increased energy costs, and higher wage expectations. The industry also faces issues from compressed working weeks and increased remote work. This puts increased demand on key events days, leaving unfulfilled space on other dates. struggling operators might exit the sector, repurposing their facilities.
“The Business of Events team is influencing the government, and business travel agencies and venues should invite new MPs to educate them on the industry’s significant contribution to the economy.”
David Watt, CEO of CI Group, which includes event organisers Corporate Innovations and Clareville PR.
“The industry should see this new government as an opportunity. We should look at the areas where it is going to invest and divest.
“I hope they are open to backing new ideas and education in the sector.
“For instance, as there are promises of significant investment in education, we should all be supporting the Power of Events campaign and directly contacting local colleges and universities, be pushing them for more courses so school leavers can train for careers in this great industry.
“We would also like to see easier controls and movement across the EU for goods and people, especially when both of these are in temporary transit. Plus, improvement and guidance over overseas VAT. We need a better system where we could reverse charge rather than claim.
“Any reduction in ‘red tape’ to ease business in Europe and further Internationally would be amazing.”
Figen Murray – Campaigner and mother of Martyn Hett
“I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and I look forward to working with the Labour government to make Martyn’s Law happen.
As the new Prime Minister says, “the time for talking is over”. After five long year’s of campaigning and seven year’s after Martyn’s death, I am convinced that Martyn’s Law will very soon become a reality.
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive, Meetings Industry Association’s (MIA)
MacPhie said, “According to the latest quarterly MIA Insights, published 4 July 2024, just 4% of industry professionals felt that the sector is supported by the UK government. Those disgruntled went on to pinpoint recruitment challenges, public transport infrastructure and international attractiveness among many other topics that they would welcome support on”
If you have more commentary to add, please email us at editorial@mashmedia.net
