Britain for Events takes its campaign to Westminster

The UK events industry was out in force last night at the Britain For Events Parliamentary Reception held at the House of Commons yesterday, with a core message that events in Britain are critical to the growth and well-being of local communities and destinations. At the same time the announcement of the resignation of John Penrose, Tourism Minister and keen supporter of the Events sector, was received with dismay, amidst concern that, without a direct replacement the efforts to have the sector’s full potential realised would take a significant step back.

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.

“The news of Mr Penrose’s departure underlines the need for the industry to find new conduits within Government to understand the breadth of benefits which are delivered by events. We hope that both DCMS, through the appointment of the new Secretary of State, Maria Miller and BIS, through it’s agency, UKTI, will want to work with the industry to ensure maximum benefit to tourism, creative enterprise, trade and exports,” commented Hirst. “We will be seeking urgent meetings to put our case forward.”