The Events Industry Board (EIB) spoke with Sport, Tourism and Heritage Minister, Nigel Huddleston online to discuss the impact of COVID-19 and to start considering a recovery plan.
Nigel Huddleston PM.The conference call, which took place on 30 March, identified some key areas of concern for the industry. These included the need for the government to create a positive message for domestic and international audiences for when events and gatherings are allowed.
It was felt that as nations lifted restrictions, global competition would be fierce and there was a risk of losing major events to other countries who might be better prepared to return to business after the crisis.
Members were also keen for VisitBritain to be funded so that it could promote the UK in-bound market. Members said it is likely that in the initial phases of recovery, the domestic market would offer the biggest opportunities to generate events. It was also critical for the events industry and government to prioritise a list of major events that support key UK sectors and bring considerable trade and investment.
EIB members also raised the issue of a potential bottle-neck of events in the third and fourth quarter of 2020, with not enough venues and a lack of cash flow in the supply chain to deliver them.
The industry stressed that it relied on a healthy supply chain and reported these businesses were under severe pressure due to lack of liquidity and said that many might not survive.
In reviewing an initial briefing paper on recovery initiatives, members asked the government to consider a range of other options in support of the events industry including tax relief policies and funding measures to ensure that the UK does not lose its market share after the crisis.
Michael Hirst OBE, chair of the EIB said: “This was a most constructive meeting. The minister is fully engaged with the industry’s issues and agenda and recognises how important the Industry will be for the Nation’s recovery.
“The board has identified a number of concerns around present support and is fast developing a bold and ambitious plan for the industry’s eventual recovery. The Board will do all it can to offer positive guidance to government as to how best to secure the industry’s future.”
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
