UKEVENTS encouraged by culture secretary's 'vision for growth'

UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation representing the UK events industry, attended culture secretary Lisa Nandy's reception for key Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stakeholders in Manchester.

Michael Hirst OBE, lead for advocacy and government relations at UKEVENTS, spoke with Nandy at the event and said he was encouraged by the government's vision for growth.  

The culture secretary delivered a speech focusing on her vision for growth and opportunities across the various sectors under DCMS.

Michael Hirst said: “I had the opportunity to speak directly with the secretary of state, and we are encouraged by the vision for growth and are eager to demonstrate how the events industry can contribute significantly to her objectives. We look forward to working closely with DCMS and the Rt. Hon. Lisa Nandy MP and the Rt. Hon Chris Bryant MP, who carries the tourism portfolio, to make these plans a reality. The events sector is crucial in driving economic and social growth, and we are ready to play a big part in supporting the government’s agenda.” 

A UKEVENTS spokesperson said: "While her speech touched on a broad range of topics, including broadcasting and museums, yet there was a notable absence of specific mentions of tourism and events. Nonetheless, her remarks laid a foundation upon which the events sector can build to become more central to the department’s policy delivery.

"UKEVENTS is excited to play a role in supporting the Secretary of State's policy objectives."

Photo Credit: image supplied

In a letter to Nandy and tourism minister Sir Chris Bryant, UKEVENTS outlined its main requests, emphasising the importance of a cohesive and collaborative approach to the events economy: 

1. Develop a comprehensive Nationwide Event Strategy: Similar to UK Sport and the Arts Council, to coordinate government resources across multiple departments and agencies together with the event iIndustry resources. 

• Enhance the value of the UK's event offerings.
• Attract more business to the UK, showcasing key industrial sectors and extending the visitor season nationwide. 

• Introduce incentives like those in TV and film production to encourage new events, particularly in regions and times of the year where additional demand is needed. 

• Stimulate regional growth and fill capacity during off-peak periods. 

2. Tie major events with Government priorities: 

• Align major UK-held events with government priority sectors such as creative industries, science, innovation, technology, and cultural arts. 

• Collaborate with VisitBritain (and its Business Events Growth Programme) and various government departments, especially the Department of Business and Trade and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, to leverage events for increasing overseas visitors to the UK, boosting exports, inward investment, and soft power.