UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, met with Sir John Whittingdale OBE, MP, the interim Minister for Tourism and Minister for Science, Innovation, and Technology, on 4 September.
The meeting, initiated in response to a letter from the Minister, discussed specific areas in which the events sector could contribute to the UK’s economy and growth prospects.
Representing UKEVENTS were Chris Skeith OBE, chair of UKEVENTS, and Michael Hirst OBE, advocacy and government relations lead.
Key issues discussed
The primary focus of the meeting centred on encouraging the government to harness the potential of the events industry as a catalyst for the recovery of the visitor economy and wider economic growth. UKEVENTS emphasised the pivotal role events can play in driving economic resurgence.
UKEVENTS also highlighted the importance of winning more international business, fostering the growth of existing events, and creating new events aligned with government priorities. “The events industry can serve as a cornerstone in positioning the UK as a global hub for business and leisure events,” said UKEVENTS.
The organisation then explored strategies to maximise Ministerial advocacy and soft power in support of the events industry.
UKEVENTS also brought to the forefront the significant challenges posed by frictional costs and complexities encountered by international businesses when choosing the UK as their preferred destination. These obstacles were highlighted as impediments to the UK’s international positioning as “the world’s premier meeting place.”
A joined-up approach
During the discussion, the Minister emphasised the importance of providing evidence to influence Treasury thinking regarding the allocation of additional funding for any prospective new body. “This underscores the necessity for a compelling case that articulates the economic and societal benefits that the events industry can deliver,” said UKEVENTS.
UKEVENTS stressed the need for a more coordinated approach across various DCMS directorates, especially those responsible for culture, creative industries, and tourism.
Collaboration across different government departments was also deemed essential to address challenges such as frictional costs and complexity that may deter international businesses from choosing the UK as their preferred meeting place.
Looking ahead
UKEVENTS proposed a “forward-looking initiative”. This entails moving beyond the Tourism Recovery Plan and concentrating efforts on developing a comprehensive Tourism Growth Plan.
This new plan would prioritise events, both in the realm of business and leisure, across the UK, thereby strengthening the nation’s status as “the world’s premier meeting place.”
