The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has responded to the appointment of Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister.
Shonali Devereaux, Chief Executive of the MIA, said:
“Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister marks another significant moment for the country, following a period of considerable political change. In his first speech, the Prime Minister spoke of giving Britain the ‘circuit breaker’ it needs. If that means taking a fresh look at how government works with business to deliver economic growth, then the business meetings and events sector must be part of that conversation from the outset.
“Business meetings and events generate £33.6 billion to the UK economy every year and support growth in every region. As a white label industry, we also underpin growth across multiple industries, with every meeting, conference and exhibition creating opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation. Despite this, our sector is still too often overlooked when economic policy is being developed. That simply has to change under Andy Burnham’s “10-year plan for change”.
“This point was highlighted just weeks ago by the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, which published a report on business events setting out clear recommendations on what government needs to do. These include publishing a standalone national business events strategy, supported by a sector-led National Business Events Council, and reversing the damaging cuts to VisitBritain’s business events team and funding. The Committee also recommended moving responsibility for the sector from DCMS to the Department for Business and Trade, where it would sit more naturally alongside trade and investment policy, as well as committing to clear, published targets for ministerial attendance at priority business events.
“Beyond these recommendations, our industry also has an important role to play in tackling pressing economic challenges facing Burnham, such as the UK’s well-documented unemployment rate, which is now at its highest level in over a decade at 16.2 per cent. We have long been a sector with the most accessible entry points into employment, but our latest MIA Insights report shows that nine in ten respondents say rising employment costs are making it harder to recruit and train the next generation of talent.
“We recognise the Prime Minister’s commitment to improving living standards and supporting workers. However, it’s equally important that employment policy reflects the realities facing employers in labour-intensive sectors such as ours. By working with industry on issues including Employer National Insurance Contributions and wider employment costs, government can help ensure businesses remain able to invest in people, create opportunities and support long-term economic growth. We have the infrastructure, the demand and the drive to be a key partner in reducing UK unemployment, but what we need is government engagement to unlock this potential.
“This is a genuine opportunity for our sector’s voice to be heard, and we intend to make the most of it together with our partners across the industry.”
