Government and Industry Partner to Support Britain for Events
Nick de Bois MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events, and Kevin Murphy, CEO ExCeL London, outlined their collective support of the Britain for Events campaign and the opportunity the industry has to grow its impact on the UK economy. Speaking at the campaign launch last night, de Bois also underlined how industry and government could work in partnership to benefit UK events.
Murphy also outlined how more government support could contribute to greater growth in the UK events market, citing: increased ministerial support for major bid events, hosting visiting delegations and bid committees, offering welcome receptions within government and state buildings for major international events, simplification of the visa process for international delegates, and public support for the Britain as the World’s event destination.
“Every organisation that chooses to bring its event to the UK delivers an average economic impact of £15 million for its local economy, meaning just 10 more events held in this country would generate £150 million,” commented Murphy. “That would pay for 7,000 nurses in our hospitals, 6,000 more teachers in our schools or 5,000 more police officers on our streets.”
Nick de Bois, underlined how government could work in partnership with the events industry, including fiscal measures to tackle Tour Operator Margin Schemes (TOMS) and the reintroduction of investment allowance. He also called on fellow ministers to aid organising committees of major events.
de Bois commented, “The events industry matters to government, it creates showcase opportunities for Britain and attracts visitors to these shores from around the globe. The events industry is rising up the government agenda thanks to campaigns like Britain for Events, which give a united voice from the UK events industry.”
Over 100 delegates attended the much anticipated launch event at The Deck, National Theatre, including government and industry representatives. The Britain for Events campaign will run until March 2012, concluding with its focal week at International Confex 6-8th March 2012.