By Glenn Bowdin, Chair, UKEVENTS
Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Stephanie Peacock MP, the new Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth. It’s always encouraging when a new minister makes time for the events industry, and the fact this meeting took place within her first two weeks in post is a really positive sign.
The meeting was at her request, and it gave me the chance to introduce UKEVENTS; who we are, who we represent, and how we help connect the industry with government. The conversation was open and constructive, and it’s clear that Minister Peacock is keen to understand the breadth of the events sector and the value it brings to the UK.
I shared an overview of our Partners, and we talked about how events support government priorities, whether through boosting the visitor economy, strengthening the creative industries, or generating economic and social impact right across the UK.
Among the specific areas we discussed were:
- The importance of a strategic, joined-up approach to events across government.
- The ongoing success of VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme.
- The opportunity to embed events more fully in the Visitor Economy Growth agenda.
- The need for a revised SIC code to secure better data and recognition for our industry.
- The continued growth of events education and skills development, from apprenticeships to postgraduate study.
I was particularly encouraged by the Minister’s interest in understanding which business and cultural events could benefit from further government support. It’s an early but meaningful step towards stronger collaboration.
At UKEVENTS, our role is to ensure the industry’s voice is heard and that policymakers recognise the essential contribution events make to the UK’s economy, communities, and global reputation. This meeting was a reminder that those conversations do make a difference, and that there is genuine interest in what we do.
We’ll now be following up with a more detailed briefing to the Minister, building on this early engagement and ensuring the events industry continues to have a seat at the table where decisions are made.
UKEVENTS Communications Team
