beam and the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) have issued a joint response following the announcement regarding significant cuts to VisitBritain’s business events team.
David Tremmil, Chair of beam, said:
“beam is deeply concerned by the announcement regarding significant cuts to VisitBritain’s business events team at a time when the sector requires greater strategic support, investment and representation at government level — not less.
“The UK business events industry contributes billions to the economy annually, supports thousands of jobs across hospitality, venues, travel, production, technology and the wider supply chain, and plays a vital role in driving international trade and inward investment. Reducing dedicated support for business events sends the wrong message to an industry that continues to deliver significant economic impact across the UK.
“For many years, VisitBritain’s business events team has played an important role in promoting the UK internationally as a destination for meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel. Any reduction in resource risks weakening the UK’s competitiveness at a time when other global destinations continue to invest in attracting international events and delegates.
“Business events are not simply tourism; they drive investment, create commercial opportunities, support regional economies and showcase UK expertise internationally. At a time when the UK economy needs growth, trade and inward investment, reducing support for one of the sectors that actively delivers those opportunities risks becoming a false economy. Without meaningful government recognition and support, the UK risks falling behind in an increasingly competitive international marketplace.
Shonali Devereaux, CEO of the Meetings Industry Association, added:
“VisitBritain’s own figures show international business events generated approximately £2.8 billion of inbound spend into the UK in 2024, while the wider UK business events sector contributes more than £33.6 billion annually to the economy. The UK currently ranks fifth globally for international association meetings, but our ability to maintain competitiveness and drive inward investment will inevitably weaken without strategic support and meaningful collaboration between government, VisitBritain and the business events sector.”
David concludes:
“beam believes this decision demonstrates a broader disconnect between government policy and the realities of the business events sector. The industry has consistently demonstrated its value to the UK economy and its ability to respond to changing market conditions, yet too often remains overlooked in national growth strategies despite its proven contribution to business and trade.”
Both beam and the MIA will continue to engage with industry partners and stakeholders to ensure the voice of the business events community is heard clearly and collectively. Now more than ever, the sector must come together to advocate for the recognition, investment and strategic support the UK business events industry deserves.
