Labour landslide: the industry responds

"The current political landscape presents a significant challenge, particularly within the event industry. The Conservatives, having veered too far right, have inflicted damage through austerity measures and Brexit, adding unwanted complexity and costs. The voting public has spoken in no uncertain terms.Despite their criticisms of the last government, Labour's unclear stance on Brexit and their unfavourable view of business owners add to the dilemma. Planned increased taxes on business leaders risk stifling economic growth. Voters have faced a stark choice between uncertain economic policies and avoiding extreme right-wing governance, marking this election as one of the most disappointing in terms of leadership options I've encountered in my voting history."Simon Hambley, CEO at Strata. "Following the pandemic, it has been encouraging to witness the events industry unite to form lobbying groups that can advocate for the sector's value to the government. Reed & Mackay Events are proud to support such an organisation, The Power of Events whose mission is to showcase, respect and value the world-leading UK events industry.There are several ways the government can support the events sector following the upcoming election. Here are the key changes we would like to see implemented:First, I advocate for the creation of a government task force dedicated to the events industry. This task force should focus on devising strategic plans to foster growth, encourage innovation, and bolster the industry's resilience against future challenges. A specialised entity will provide the oversight and resources needed to tackle our industry's distinct challenges.A second suggestion would be the implementation of financial incentives to promote investment in sustainable event practices. Grants and tax breaks for businesses that implement green technologies and methods will mitigate the environmental footprint of events and establish our industry as a sustainability frontrunner. This supports the wider objective of reaching net-zero emissions and shows a dedication to ethical business operations.Finally, there is a call on the government to improve access to training and professional development for event practitioners. Investing in the upskilling and reskilling of our workforce will keep it competitive and flexible, vital in an ever-evolving environment. This will also draw new talent to the sector, spurring innovation and upholding our standard of excellence."Julie Oliver, CEO - UK, Europe & Global Events, Reed and Mackay"I'm sure most people will discuss this change in government with a lens on the industry being recognised, properly supported and the business side of things... but these are my authentic thoughts.- I hope the change in government will mean we will start looking at how we can best support the most vulnerable and needy in our society and change the structures and policies that penalise the most vulnerable in society. I'm not sure Labour are the Labour of old, whose policies align with that... but I remain hopeful. Happier, more secure people means more innovation., creativity and a thriving economy."Gabrielle Austen-Browne, Founder, Diversity Alliance“Given that the Labour party’s manifesto on all things ESG looks to be more progressive than the Conservative, we hope that this means a greater emphasis on responsible event planning.The mix of sustainability factors within most events is hugely dynamic – and don’t forget, the largest factor is often attendee travel, which is mostly an individual decision and will take a while to change ingrained habits.Let us hope that improving the public transport infrastructure in the UK will help in this regard – but for regional and especially global events this is a much wider discussion.”Matt Grey, Founder of event:decision"Personally, I find it challenging to see how either party could significantly impact our events industry. Since the election was called, we've noticed a hesitation among clients to commit to events until the results are in. Both individuals and businesses are in need of stability and growth to be prioritised by the next government, and the sooner, the better!"Jeremy Shakerley, MD, UKSV“The arrival of a vast number of new MPs offers a major opportunity and need for the meetings and events industry to educate them about our industry and the challenges it is facing.“Along with the tailwinds of Brexit and the Covid pandemic there are more recent challenges around high inflation, in part caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and the knock-on energy costs, and higher wage rates being expected by the tens of thousands of hard-working team members.“It is also having to adapt to compressed working weeks with more and more administrative and professional workers either working less days/hours or spending some of their week at home, meaning the demand for key dates is leaving unfilled space on other dates. It is clear to see that this vibrant industry which is used by every other sector in the economy, bar none, is not without its challenges and already struggling operators may choose to exit the sector, repurposing their facilities. “While the ‘Business of Events’ team are influencing the new government at the House of Commons and Whitehall, business travel agencies and venues should invite their MP, especially those who are new, in to meet them in the coming weeks and educate them on meetings and events as an industry so that they fully appreciate its scale, reach and significant contribution to both to the local and national economy.”Steve Jones, CEO of Wyboston Lakes Limited"We welcome Labour’s commitment to provide better support for small and medium-sized enterprises as many small firms, entrepreneurs, and the self-employed form part of the vibrant business meetings and events sector. With less than half (47%) of the sector currently employing apprentices according to our MIA Insights, we support Labour’s intention to create a new ‘growth and skills levy’. This fresh approach will allow operators greater flexibility to use up to 50% of their levy contributions to fund training through alternative routes to support the exact training that is required to help the sector thrive.It has been extremely disappointing that previous governments have continually failed to recognise that the UK hospitality industry is vast – encompassing so much more than just pubs and restaurants. As a result, business meetings and events get lost despite facilitating in excess of £165 billion in trade. We will be continuing our work pushing to ensure that business meetings and events become part of the narrative as they offer the government significant opportunities to further expand the UK’s trade, exports and knowledge economy and attract inward investment."Kerrin MacPhie, Chief Executive, MIA

Labour landslide: the industry responds

C&IT Awards 2024: Who won?

“Without basic bitches like me, you wouldn't be fashionable”: Stunning and sustainable event spaces inspired by Emily in Paris

"Don’t do things for us without us", say neurodiversity experts at Inntel conference

Labour landslide: the industry responds

C&IT Awards 2024: Who won?

“Without basic bitches like me, you wouldn't be fashionable”: Stunning and sustainable event spaces inspired by Emily in Paris

"Don’t do things for us without us", say neurodiversity experts at Inntel conference

Confirm cancellation