(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.
Ellis was appointed tourism minister in Theresa May’s cabinet reshuffle earlier this month. He replaced John Glen, who was appointed economic secretary to the treasury and city minister. During his tenure as tourism minister, Glen had made clear his commitment to helping the events industry work with government to win business.
However, BVEP chair Michael Hirst said that industry representatives have contacted Ellis since his appointment and he was hopeful that the links with government would not be affected by the change in personnel.
Hirst said: “Industry representatives have already been in touch with the new minister who has indicated his keenness to continue to develop a positive agenda for the industry. This includes supporting the work of the Events Industry Board.
“We maintain our strong relationships with officials at both DCMS and the Department of International Trade and are hopeful that the momentum towards increasing the industry's international competitiveness will continue uninterrupted.”
He added that John Glen’s new role as city minister could also be a benefit for the industry.
He said: “We had developed a very purposeful relationship with the former minister. However, it’s good someone who understands the industry is now in the Treasury.”