UKEVENTS offers a cautious welcome to the review, recognising several encouraging developments, particularly for sport and regional growth. However, significant opportunities for the wider events sector remain overlooked.
The organisation welcomes positive signals for investment in major sporting events, with these events relying heavily on the expertise of professional event organisers and event equipment suppliers, as well as positive signals for conferences and meetings with the increased funding for science and health.
The group also praised increased funding for science and health, recognising that both sectors contribute significantly to the UK’s conferences and exhibitions calendar, showcasing innovation and research on a national and international stage.
The organisation highlighted untapped potential as a broader opportunity within the events sector that is yet to be fully recognised to grow the creative industries and visitor economy and be more fully aligned to the forthcoming industrial strategy.
Regional growth and increased connectivity are also welcomed by UKEVENTS. Events can play a pivotal role in delivering the Government’s levelling-up agenda through jobs, tourism and regeneration and better transport and digital infrastructure will support event activity across the UK.
The group has drawn attention to the cross-sector benefits of events, particularly where business, cultural, and sporting programmes intersect to boost economic and social outcomes. However, it expressed concern about the slow progress on the Creative Industries Growth Programme, despite early consultation, and called for clearer visibility of outcomes and timelines.
Finally, UKEVENTS reiterated its active involvement in the creation of the Visitor Economy Growth Strategy, with a particular focus on driving international visits and regional tourism through events. It also welcomed the continued presence of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, urging more joined-up collaboration across the creative, cultural, and visitor economy agendas. As the government finalises its Industrial Strategy, UKEVENTS is seeking clear commitments that recognise business events as strategic drivers of growth and innovation.
Following the spending review, UKEVENTS is urging the DCMS to significantly increase funding to the VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme, which currently delivers a return of £33 for every £1 invested.
Glenn Bowdin, chair also calls for the government to work with UKEVENTS to forming a National Events Strategy. He said: “While the Government has recognised the success of events, this has largely been framed through the lens of sport. Sport may be the visible tip of the iceberg, but the wider events industry, spanning culture, business, education and innovation, deserves equal strategic recognition.
He added: “A National Events Strategy is long overdue. It’s time for the Government to cast the net wider and unlock the full potential of the UK’s event sector.”
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