UK events industry CEOs tell Minister events can ‘kick start’ economy

UK Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston MP, recently engaged with more than 20 industry CEOs, representing leading venues, destinations and creative agencies, in an online panel devoted to discussing industry concerns around the effects of Covid-19. Issues to the fore included cash flow and additional flexibility on the UK government’s Job Retention Scheme and including eligibility for event venues and event agencies. The CEOs informed the minister, whose responsibilities include the events sector, that events would be a powerful tool to kick start the economy when the lockdown restrictions are lifted and when it is safe for the public to attend gatherings once more. The panel also discussed the government’s economic measures and whether it was providing enough support for the £70bn (US$86.2bn) UK events industry. Minister Huddleston (pictured) acknowledged that many businesses and individuals in the UK events industry were struggling due to Covid-19 and expressed his gratitude to the many organisations helping amid the crisis, in particular ExCel London, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) and the Scottish Events Campus (SEC), which had become, or offered to become, temporary hospitals to support the National Health Service. The event industry CEOs recommended that the government work with the industry to plan and develop clear communication when the time comes for loosening of some of the measures taken so that the industry can return to work sustainably and at scale. Members also recommended that clear communication and government advocacy would be needed to reassure travellers and consumers that the UK is safe. Further measures to improve cash flow for businesses and the self-employed workers would be appreciated, the panel said. Other economic and policy recommendations included for the government to provide additional funding to the British Tourist Authority (BTA) to support the business events industry through its programmes and marketing campaigns and the UK government enabling an accessible and welcoming visa scheme for business travellers. Panel members noted that major international events could provide significant inward trade and investment opportunities in key government industries and shape international perceptions of the UK. They also noted that the events industry can support hundreds of thousands of jobs. Minister Huddleston encouraged members to continue to communicate their concerns and recommendations through industry trade bodies and noted his intention to host another panel with the advisory panel in the coming weeks.