Industry response to APPG inquiry is published by Britain for Events
Britain for Events has published a summary of the events industry’s response to the All Party Parliamentary Group inquiry into the international competitiveness of the UK events industry.
The results of the APPGI were presented in December 2013 and the industry was asked to submit responses and commentary at International Confex in February.
The five key action points requested from the events industry are:
Sharing of best practice
It is widely accepted by members of the events industry that the sharing of best practice should be encouraged to both underline areas of industry quality, and to advocate benchmarking and continued improvement throughout the industry.
Form industry partnerships with local and regional authorities
The industry agreed with the sentiment that it should have good relations with local authorities to encourage them to support local events and to create supportive environments that allow events to take place within local counties, towns and cities.
Greater engagement with Ministerial Bid Support and UKTI Events Alliance
Since the APPG inquiry took place, VisitEngland is achieving success with its Ministerial Bid Support Initiative.
Embrace Sustainability and Apprenticeship programmes
The Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP) will invite prospective chairs to create a sub-committee with a remit to influence organisations and individuals with a view to producing a quantitative piece of research in the three areas of sustainability, apprenticeships and internships.
Create a single, better resourced organisation to represent the industry
The BVEP reiterates that it remains the most representative body in the UK events industry, however it acknowledges the need to be even broader in its representation and seeks improved financing to take on industry progressing activity.
Other key recommendations from the parliamentary inquiry included a call for an Events Visa and support for an Event Industry Safety Guide, as well as a call to review the tax raising powers of local government.
The findings of the report will also be addressed during a meeting with Helen Grant MP, Minister of Tourism, where the industry will request the minister follows up with other Secretaries of State to progress on the actions identified in the Report as requested by David Cameron, the Prime Minister.
The report is available to view on the Britain for Events website, the BVEP website and campaign partners International Confex and
venuefinder.com.
The industry can continue to feedback comments through Britain for Events until the document is submitted to the APPG in October as part of National Events Month.
Article by
Mike Fletcher