- Current policy approach limiting ability to compete
internationally
- Calls for business events to be treated as a distinct sector
separate from major events and tourism
- Committee calls for rethink of cuts to VisitBritain business
events team
The UK's multi-billion-pound conference, exhibition and trade
fair sector risks falling behind overseas competitors and missing
out on valuable economic opportunities unless there is a new
focus and commitment to funding from government.
The warning, in a report from the Culture, Media and
Sport Committee, follows an evidence session in
December where witnesses emphasised that the requirements of
the business events sector, which generates more than £33 billion
a year and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, are often
overshadowed within broader discussions of major events.
Concluding that the government's current approach is limiting the
ability of the sector to compete internationally, the report
calls for business events to be seen as a distinct, trade-driven
sector separate from major events and tourism policy and for a
new long-term national strategy.
The cross-party committee is also calling on the government to
maintain funding for promoting business events abroad and to
reconsider the decision to reduce the size of the business events
team at national tourism agency VisitBritain.
To boost competitiveness the government should also review cost
pressures and simplify visa processes to benefit business events
and international delegates, the report adds.
Dame MP, Chair of the CMS
Committee, said:
The huge contribution they make to the economy demonstrates the
exceptional quality of the conferences, exhibitions and trade
fairs held every day across the country. The Government's
decision to slash support for business events is utterly
irrational and entirely counterproductive, when we should be
supporting the sector to boost economic growth. It's time for the
Government to show it understands the importance and
distinctiveness of the business events sector.
