UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation
for the UK events industry, has welcomed Sir Keir Starmer on
his appointment as prime minister - and has set out the development of a nationwide event strategy and the introduction of tax allowances for events as key priorities.
UKEVENTS is
eager to collaborate with Starmer and his team, including Lisa
Nandy, the new Secretary of State for Culture, to drive forward key initiatives
that will strengthen the UK events industry and its contributions to the
nation's economy and cultural heritage.
UKEVENTS also looks forward to working with the minister yet to
be appointed for tourism, as well as working with the ministerial team at the
Department of Business & Trade to ensure the economic growth opportunities
from the events industry can be fully utilised as an integral part of the government trade and inward investment policies.
Chris Skeith OBE, chair of UKEVENTS, said: “We welcome Sir
Keir Starmer as the new prime minister and look forward to working with his
ministers, particularly Lisa Nandy, to champion the interests of the UK events
industry. The events sector is a vital part of our economy, driving growth,
innovation, and cultural exchange. We are confident that under the new
leadership, we can achieve significant milestones together.
“UKEVENTS is committed to working with the government to help
drive the UK events industry forward through a series of strategic initiatives.
Central to our manifesto is the development of a comprehensive nationwide event
strategy, designed to coordinate government resources across various
departments, enhancing the UK's event offerings and attracting international
business.
“We advocate for the introduction of tax allowances similar to those
in the TV and film industries to stimulate event growth in underserved regions
and during off-peak seasons. Additionally, the manifesto encourages alignment
of major events with government priority sectors to showcase the UK's strengths
in creative industries, science, technology, and cultural arts, thereby
boosting exports, inward investment, and the UK's global influence.”
UKEVENTS manifesto points
- Nationwide event strategy
- Tax allowances
- Tying major events with
government priorities
Areas of emphasis
- Government recognition
- Contribution to green growth
- Spreading prosperity
- Trade, exports, and inward
investment
- Community and destination
prosperity
- High-skilled jobs
- Innovation and creativity:
- Regulation and growth
incentives
Support for broader industry issues
- Reduction in VAT on festival
and event admissions.
- Business rates reform.
- Increased funding for local
authorities to support the visitor economy and events.
- Easier access for overseas
visitors, including visa reform and business visit exemptions.
- Improved working arrangements
for international production teams and performers.
- Sustainable transport strategy
for regional event connectivity.
- Reintroduction of tax-free
shopping.
- Enhanced marketing funding for
events via VisitBritain and the GREAT programme.
- Skills development funding and
apprenticeship levy reform.
- Competitive visa regime for
event attendees.
