Events Industry takes its case to Westminster

Britain For Events Parliamentary Reception

The UK events industry was out in force at the Britain For Events Parliamentary Reception held at the House of Commons on 5th September 2012, with a core message that events in Britain are critical to the growth and well-being of local communities and destinations.

The meeting was addressed by Nick De Bois MP, Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group For Events, Michael Hirst, Chairman of the Business Visits & Events Partnership and James Berresford, CEO, VisitEngland. All spoke about the contribution both business and cultural events make to driving the economy, growing employment and trade, creating inward investment and regenerating destinations and their impact on community cohesion.

During the presentation Nick De Bois spoke of the positive characteristics of the events sector and the need for the industry to respond positively to the Government agenda on job creation and apprenticeships. James Berresford said that VisitEngland had a key focus to work closely with destination management organisations to grow business tourism.

Michael Hirst concluded: "It was very important to get the message out within Westminster that "events shape communities and communities make events". I am hopeful more MPs and Local Government leaders will recognise the importance of this message and get behind the industry."

Anthony Lishman, Executive Director of Conference Centres of Excellence attended the briefing and commented:

“The Summer of sport and jubilee celebrations have been a resounding success, the world’s attention on our country and what we can deliver will have a benefit that will not be insignificant. The business visits and events community must ensure that the feel good factor reaches out to the rest of the country with additional marketing support and recognition, after all those that are credited with making the games such as success, the organisers, athletes and games makers came from all over the UK and their legacy should be one that benefits all areas of Great Britain, not just London and the South East. We will watch with interest the future actions of the national tourism bodies VisitBritain England Wales and Scotland”  

For more information about the event visit Conference Centres of Excellence or contact pr@cceonline.co.uk