For the first time since the UN announced the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, they will be holding a summit at the end of September, to assess progress on these goals towards their 2030 Agenda. And, they are inviting global industries to tell them what they, as the UN, can do to help each industry work towards the goals that have been set.

(Article first published here by M&IT on 25th January 2018) 

New tourism minister Michael Ellis is keen to develop a positive agenda for the events industry, according to Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) chair Michael Hirst.

Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, have made the following statement following the Autumn Budget:

‘The Autumn Budget recognises some of the priorities UKEVENTS included in our submission, with measures on business rates, regional investment and skills that will help part s of our sector. However, the events industry remains an economic powerhouse with untapped potential. We welcome the steps taken and urge continued collaboration to ensure events are at the heart of the UK’s growth agenda.

We continue to urge government to extend tax reliefs for new and regional event productions based on the established model for film and extend the VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme, both of which have evidence for supporting growth’.

Some of UKEVENTS' Partners Budget Statements:

• Beam members’ reaction to 2025 Budget announcement – Read here.
• MIA reacts to the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget 2025 – Read here.
• Budget Reaction Statement: NOEA – Read here.
• BTA's responde to the Budget - Read here.

Sector urges Treasury to unlock £14bn growth and 100,000 new jobs through targeted fiscal support.

By Glenn Bowdin, Chair, UKEVENTS - Recently, I had the opportunity to meet Stephanie Peacock MP, the new Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth. It’s always encouraging when a new minister makes time for the events industry, and the fact this meeting took place within her first two weeks in post is a really positive sign.