UKEVENTS has called on the Chancellor to introduce targeted investment and fiscal measures for the UK events industry in the Autumn Budget, arguing that greater government support could help drive trade, employment and regional economic growth.
In its submission to the Treasury, the umbrella organisation highlights an industry it says generates £68.7 billion in annual direct consumer spending, supports more than 700,000 jobs and facilitates over £200 billion of trade, research and knowledge exchange activity.
Central to its recommendations is a call to extend creative industry tax incentives to new business and live events, particularly those taking place in regional destinations.
UKEVENTS is also seeking the reinstatement and expansion of VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme, which was designed to attract international conferences and exhibitions to the UK. According to the organisation, the previous programme generated £35 for every £1 invested and delivered £60.6 million in direct economic benefit between 2018 and 2024.
Other proposals include government resources to support a national events strategy and standalone Business Events Strategy, alongside greater recognition of events within the National Visitor Economy Strategy.
UKEVENTS argues that events could contribute to ambitions to increase international visitor numbers while distributing spending more widely across UK regions.
Its Budget submission also backs calls from the wider tourism, hospitality and retail sectors to reduce business costs. Proposed measures include reforming business rates for venues, reducing VAT on admission to some events, moderating employment cost increases and reviewing visa and Electronic Travel Authorisation fees.
The organisation has also called for safeguards around any Overnight Visitor Levy to ensure revenues are reinvested in attracting and promoting events within the region where they are collected.
UKEVENTS Chair Glenn Bowdin said: “Our message to Government is clear: backing events is backing growth.”
He added that conferences, exhibitions and festivals generate economic activity extending beyond venues to hotels, restaurants, transport providers and other local businesses.
UKEVENTS forecasts industry growth of between 2% and 4% over the next two years and argues that targeted government intervention could accelerate that expansion.
