Conference Centres of Excellence Supports Britain for Events

Events in Britain, whether for business or pleasure, are worth an estimated £36 billion and the UK has a reputation globally for being world leaders in creating and staging events of all types and sizes. There has never been a more significant time for the events industry and the Britain for Events campaign is a celebration of the knowledge and skills of those that host, produce and manage events across the UK.

House of Commons Briefing

The Britain for Events Partnership held a special briefing on the state of the UK events business and its role in the local community to Members of Parliament and municipal leaders, at the House of Commons on 5th September.

Anthony Lishman, Executive Director of Conference Centres of Excellence, attended the briefing.

Anthony Lishman

“The meeting at the Houses of Parliament are an opportunity to our industry, as a united group, to lobby our MPS’s regarding the importance of our sector and how they can, with very little investment create Jobs and long term employment for thousands of young and low skilled individuals.” Anthony continued: “The event of at the Houses of Parliament is also the launch of the annual Business for Events Campaign, which hopes to draw media interest and government focus on a sector that often gets forgotten in the wider scheme of things, but delivers annually £36 billion in trade a contribution in tax revenues to the Exchequer which is exceeded by very few specific industry sectors.”

Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Visits and Events Partnership, recently wrote to the Prime Minister saying there is estimated to be a £500 million boost to business events from the London Olympics and Paralympic Games, as an additional 20% in expenditure is derived from business and incentive groups visiting the Games, holding meetings and special events and extending their stay around Britain.

In addition, latest research reveals that 20% of existing conference and exhibition venues are being upgraded or extended with £1 billion being spent on improvements.

Michael Hirst says, “Britain’s Events Industry will be a major beneficiary of the London Olympics. Through the creativity of the sector, conferences and trade shows in Britain can proudly present Britain’s business opportunities to the World. By stepping up their involvement in bidding for international events which relate to their Departmental responsibilities, Government Ministers can help facilitate more business events in Britain. These will help promote British goods and services and develop our expertise for medical and scientific research”.

“The Olympic Games shows just how good our event management skills are in staging international events. We must build on these strengths to help our economic recovery”, Hirst concluded.

The letter also draws attention to the inclusion of the Events Sector in the Government’s GREAT promotion and the current “Britain For Events” campaign”, which promotes Britain as a world-class destination for global events and highlights the economic and social benefits of holding events in local destinations.

In a response from Downing Street, Prime Minister David Cameron confirms his support for the campaign adding “I applaud the work you and your associates are doing in showcasing the excellent work carried out by the UK events industry”.

For more information please contact pr@cceonline.co.uk or phone 0845 230 1416