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Eventia continues to target government through meeting with MP Nick de Bois

Eventia, the voice of the UK’s events industry, met MP Nick de Bois, Chair of the APPG (All-Party Parliamentary Group) for the UK Events Industry at their board meeting held on the 26th January at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.

The meeting follows longstanding efforts by Eventia and the BVEP (Business Visits and Events Partnership) to ensure that the UK Government has a clear understanding of and commitment to the UK live events sector and the important role it plays contributing towards the British GDP and future economic growth.   

Rob Allen, Chairman of Eventia said “In the lead up to the Olympics, it is even more critical that the Government understands and takes seriously the overall contribution of the UK events industry.  In just six months, we will be on the world’s stage, with the value of the Olympics expected to add substantially to our economy.  To be able to discuss key issues and challenges for the industry with an MP who shares the same passion for events as we do is an important step forward.” 

Amongst issues raised in discussion with the event industry leaders represented on the Eventia Board was the problem of identifying a clear ministerial ‘home’ that could provide support for the day-to-day challenges for the events industry.  

Allen added, "Whilst BVEP have managed to successfully engage with the tourism agenda via the DCMS, the event industry as a whole needs to find somewhere in government that can act as a champion for the broader growth and economic issues that affect the sector.  While regulations such as the Bribery Act originates from the MoJ and TOMS from HMRC, there currently remains no single department that represents the diverse interests of our industry.  This must change if our contribution to the growth agenda is to be recognized." 

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment that both de Bois and Eventia would continue to explore the most effective ways in which the events industry could develop greater understanding and support from both central and local government.