UK events industry's magical mystery ‘comeback tour’

Shaun Hinds, CEO of the UK-based Manchester Central Convention Complex, has announced the events sector is ‘on its comeback tour’, as new business enquiries remain strong month-on-month, peaking at their highest point in February since the sector reopened. Hinds stated: “Business events, tourism and culture are major drivers of cities, towns and villages right across the UK, and as a country we now need to come together to promote what we have to offer.” Hinds added: “In a normal year, the sector adds £70bn (US$90bn) to the UK economy, and this is something that can’t be forgotten. While the pandemic may have isolated countries and all but shut off tourism, we can confidently say the UK is now back open for business and events should be at the forefront of driving our economic recovery.” Situated in the centre of Manchester, Manchester Central attracts over 500,000 visitors to the Greater Manchester region each year, bringing approximately £150m into the local economy. This year it has hosted the BSAVA Congress 2022, 24-26 March 2022, which brought an estimated £10m into the city’s economy over the three-day event. Hinds’ comment comes as the UK government has opened its consultation on the effectiveness of its £750m ‘Live Events Reinsurance Scheme’, which promised cover for events cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. The UK Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) said in a statement: “In September 2021, the government launched the ‘Live Events Reinsurance Scheme’ to support live events across the country — such as music festivals, conferences and business events — that are at risk of being halted or delayed due to an inability to obtain Covid-19 cancellation insurance. Cover through the scheme is available to purchase alongside standard commercial events insurance for an additional premium. “We committed to a review point for the scheme in spring 2022, as part of our ongoing efforts to make sure the Scheme achieves its objectives to support live events following the impacts of Covid-19.” According CMW’s sister publication, Exhibition News, DCMS and administrators of the scheme have so far been unable to provide details of a single successful pay-out. Hinds commented: “There are definite learnings to be had, from the sector’s response to the pandemic, to how we can better prepare for eventualities going forward, but we can’t do that in isolation. We need a concerted effort with the right support from the government to underpin the sector and help the UK regain its competitive standing.”