The UK’s Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston MP, led an online discussion with more than 20 industry CEOs about how the government can support the UK's £70bn business events sector.
The online discussion which involved industry leaders from destinations, event venues and creative agencies, raised concerns over the government’s economic measures and whether they were providing enough support for the entire events industry.
Huddleston said he would raise their concerns to the government “wherever possible”.
The minister acknowledged that many businesses and individuals in the events industry were struggling because of COVID-19. He noted that he was grateful to the many organisations helping amidst the crisis, such as the ExCel Centre, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and the Scottish Events Campus (SEC), which had become or offered to become, temporary hospitals to support the NHS.
Nigel Huddleston.
Members shared the following recommendations with the minister:
- Collaboration and clear communication on the loosening/end of social distancing and mass gatherings restrictions. Members recommended that the government work with the industry to plan and develop clear communication of the loosening of these measures to ensure the industry can return to work sustainably and at scale. Members also recommended that clear communication and government advocacy was needed to reassure travellers and consumers that the UK is safe
- Further measures to improve cash flow for businesses/self-employed workers would be appreciated. Other economic and policy recommendations included the government providing additional funding to the British Tourist Authority (BTA) to support the business events industry through its programmes and marketing campaigns and the government enabling an accessible and welcoming visa scheme for business travellers.
- Use the events industry as a catalyst to ‘kick-start’ and recover the economy after the COVID-19 crisis. Members noted that major international events can provide significant inward trade and investment opportunities in key government industries and shape international perceptions of the UK. They also noted that the events industry can support hundreds of thousands of jobs.
The minister actively encouraged members to continue to communicate their concerns and recommendations through industry trade bodies and noted his intention to host another panel with the advisory panel in the coming weeks.
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.
