Post-Brexit red
tape is paralysing the UK events industry’s ability to operate across Europe,
according to a new white paper by The Business of Events.
The paper reveals how the lack of specific provisions for the sector in
the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) has created a costly, complex,
and fragmented operating environment, threatening the global competitiveness of
the UK events industry.
Since Brexit, event agencies and freelancers have struggled to navigate
a patchwork of immigration rules across the 27 EU member states. This includes
increased administrative burdens, spiralling visa costs, and a growing risk of
non-compliance, such as fines, deportation, and travel bans, resulting in
industry-wide consequences, lost contracts, diminished client confidence and a
growing talent drain.
“The absence of a dedicated visa category for event delivery
professionals is stifling our industry,” said Mike Fletcher, director of news
and content at The Business of Events.
“We are witnessing UK organisations losing contracts, freelancers being
priced out of the market, and EU clients turning away due to uncertainty and
cost. Without urgent reform, we risk losing our standing on the global stage.”
The white paper recommends a series of actions for government and
industry stakeholders, including reopening the TCA to create an events-specific
visa exemption, developing clear country-by-country guidance, and establishing
centralised support services for event professionals navigating EU work
requirements.
While advocating for reform, the report also urges event organisations
to build visa planning into project timelines and budgets and calls for
increased collaboration between UK and EU industry bodies to drive mutual
understanding and workable solutions.
Fletcher added: “This white
paper is a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders to protect one
of the UK’s most vibrant and globally recognised creative sectors. We are
already discussing its recommendations with the All-Party Parliamentary Group
for Events, as without meaningful change, the future of cross-border event
delivery hangs in the balance.”
Download a copy of the Visas and Work Permits for UK event
businesses in the EU white paper.
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