Post-Brexit red tape is paralysing the UK events industry’s ability to operate across Europe, according to a new white paper published today by The Business of Events.
The paper reveals how the lack of specific provisions for the sector in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) has created a costly, complex, and fragmented operating environment, threatening the global competitiveness of the UK events industry.
Since Brexit, event agencies and freelancers have struggled to navigate a patchwork of immigration rules across the 27 EU member states. This includes increased administrative burdens, spiralling visa costs, and a growing risk of non-compliance, such as fines, deportation, and travel bans, resulting in industry-wide consequences, lost contracts, diminished client confidence and a growing talent drain.
“The absence of a dedicated visa category for event delivery professionals is stifling our industry,” said Mike Fletcher, Director of News and Content at The Business of Events.
“We are witnessing UK organisations losing contracts, freelancers being priced out of the market, and EU clients turning away due to uncertainty and cost. Without urgent reform, we risk losing our standing on the global stage.”
The white paper recommends a series of actions for government and industry stakeholders, including reopening the TCA to create an events-specific visa exemption, developing clear country-by-country guidance, and establishing centralised support services for event professionals navigating EU work requirements.
While advocating for reform, the report also urges event organisations to build visa planning into project timelines and budgets and calls for increased collaboration between UK and EU industry bodies to drive mutual understanding and workable solutions.
Fletcher added: “This white paper is a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders to protect one of the UK’s most vibrant and globally recognised creative sectors. We are already discussing its recommendations with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events, as without meaningful change, the future of cross-border event delivery hangs in the balance.”
Download a copy of the Visas and Work Permits for UK event businesses in the EU or find out more about the work of The Business of Events, here.
