UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation representing the UK events industry, has welcomed the publication of the House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s report Business Events, describing it as a significant milestone in securing recognition of the business events sector’s vital contribution to the UK economy, trade, innovation and regional growth.
The Committee’s report acknowledges that business events generate £33.6 billion annually for the UK economy, support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country, and play a critical role in driving investment, exports, knowledge exchange and innovation. It also concludes that the sector has been under-recognised and under-supported within government despite its substantial economic impact.
Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, said: “This report supports what the industry has been saying for many years: business events are not simply part of the visitor economy. They are a strategic economic driver that supports trade and regional growth.
The Committee provides clear recommendations for how the government and industry can work together to unlock even greater economic and societal benefits.”
UKEVENTS particularly welcomes the Committee’s call for a national business events strategy, aligned with the Government’s Industrial Strategy, supported by a sector-led National Business Events Council and stronger cross-government coordination. This clearly aligns with the national events strategy that UKEVENTS has been advocating for, to gain recognition of the events industry and provide a framework for further development.
UKEVENTS supports the Committee’s recommendation that business events should be recognised as a distinct, trade-focused sector and that responsibility for the sector should be transferred to the Department for Business and Trade, reflecting its direct contribution to economic growth and international competitiveness.
UKEVENTS welcomes the Committee’s concern regarding the reduction of business events support within VisitBritain and its recommendation that ministers reconsider cuts to specialist business events resources and funding, including the Business Events Growth Fund. The Committee notes that such reductions risk undermining the UK’s ability to compete internationally at a time when competitor destinations are increasing investment in attracting business events.
Glenn Bowdin added:
“This report is a welcome and important endorsement of the business events sector. We thank the Committee, its Chair Dame Caroline Dinenage and all members for recognising the sector’s contribution and potential.
UKEVENTS stands ready to work with ministers, officials and industry partners to turn these recommendations into action that will enhance the UK’s reputation as a world-leading destination for business events and support economic growth in every nation and region of the UK.”
