UKEVENTS,
the umbrella organisation for the UK events industry, urged Government
to harness the potential of the events industry in a meeting with the tourism minister.
UKEVENTS
chair Chris Skeith and government relations lead Michael Hirst met with Sir
John Whittingdale, the interim Minister for Tourism and Minister for Science,
Innovation, and Technology to discuss specific areas in which the events sector
could contribute to the UK's economy and growth prospects.
Key
issues discussed included:
Boosting the visitor
economy and economic growth
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.
Attracting international
business and expanding events
UKEVENTS underscored 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.
Optimising ministerial
advocacy and soft power
Recognising the unique influence
wielded by the Minister in the fields of science, innovation, and technology,
UKEVENTS explored strategies to maximise Ministerial advocacy and soft power in
support of the events industry.
Addressing challenges faced by international businesses
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.
In
a broader historical context, the meeting acknowledged Whittingdale’s tenure as
culture secretary in 2015-16. During this period, the department published an events
strategy that paved the way for the establishment of the Events Industry Board.
Subsequently, a working group within the Tourism Industry Council was created
to oversee the objectives outlined in the Tourism Recovery Plan.
However,
it was highlighted that an earlier bid, supported by DCMS officials, to
establish a strategic delivery body for the industry had been unsuccessful.
Such an entity, akin to institutions like UKSport, the Arts Council, and the film
and TV industry, would have played a vital role in capitalising on the
significant growth opportunities presented by the events sector. This remains a
priority if the full potential of the events industry in driving economic
growth, particularly in the fields of science, innovation, and technology, is
to be realised.
Evidence and a joined-up approach
During
the discussion, Whittingdale 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.
Furthermore,
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 to the future
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.
