DCMS propose new Business Visits & Events board
The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) has proposed forming a Business Visits & Events board as part of a cross governmental strategy for the UK events industry.
The strategy includes a series of initiatives set to add long term value to the industry and the new board will be tasked with identifying business opportunities and winning more events for Britain. The idea is that the board will be comprised of industry representation with government departments and agencies, all under the auspices of the GREAT programme.
The DCMS report identified five key areas where further support is needed in the industry, including future governance, infrastructure and funding, visas and the welcome from Britain to international visitors, marketing and strategic partnerships, and best practice.
The report proposes targeting support for events with a tiered approach. Key proposals include ministerial level support and co-ordinated bid planning for ‘tier 1’ events; a focus on removing barriers such as visa issues and future development of infrastructure and facilities for ‘tier 2’ events; and raising awareness of the economic benefit and highlighting best practice for ‘tier 3 events’.
The new business visits and events board will be tasked with implementing the tiered approach. Membership of the board will include representatives from VisitBritian, UKTI, VisitScotland, Visit Wales, Tourism Northern Ireland and VisitEngland.
Michael Hirst, chairman of the Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP), which has been supporting the DCMS throughout this process, commented: "This is a solid blueprint for action whatever party is in power post the General Election in May.
"What is essential is that the industry endorses the support that is now being expressed and works to ensure this momentum is maintained after the election.
"It’s an amazing achievement for the events industry to finally be getting the attention it so richly deserves. We need to support the strategy, and see it through for the good of the industry.”
The strategy report includes a positive introduction from Sajid Javid, secretary of state, which endorsed the strength and quality of the UK events industry.