In the really fast moving crisis that is COVID-19, the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) is assimilating the information and requests coming from the event industry and putting them directly to government officials in key departments.
It says that although the Chancellor has made it clear that the £330 billion promised was just part of the “whatever it takes” package, there still remains many aspects of relief and support that BVEP would like to see implemented specifically for the events industry.
It has appealed to all partners to reflect on both the language and the numbers used to support claims for assistance and recognition. The term “events” should be the key word when talking about the industry. “We really need to ensure that in the competing landscape for attention, using the same simple, straightforward word for the broad church of activities we cover becomes part of the core narrative,” says vice chair Simon Hughes. “The second point is that with the latest numbers developed last year for the BVEP, the UK event industry (business and leisure) is worth in total £70 billion per annum.
“It was interesting to note that while the Chancellor specifically references leisure, hospitality, pubs and clubs, hotels and attractions he doesn’t mention events. As events drive over 50 per cent of the visitor economy, this is another part of the narrative that we need to correct. Our colleagues that work equally tirelessly supporting the leisure, hospitality and tourism sectors are very aware of this and equally how important our events are for many of their members – so we continue to collaborate for the benefit of the broader community of interest.”
BVEP continues to access core briefings from both departments and agencies such as VisitBritain, as well as responding to specific questions from partners seeking advice or clarification on issues. For more, visit www.businessvisitsandeventspartnership.com
