SIC codes and the value of business events were the main discussion topics with MPs at beam‘s State of the Nation Event event that took place at Cliveden House, Taplow, on Thursday, the 19th of September.
Senior representatives of the beam agency and venue members, as well as Jack Rankin MP for Windsor and Mike Wood MP, Shadow Minister for Business and Trade, were joined at the invitation-only event by multiple guest speakers who showcased the events industry’s contribution to the UK economy.
Julie Shorrock, beam Chair and Managing Director of Hotel and Travel Solutions, said: “Raising the profile of the business events industry, its contribution to the economy, and its power in job generation is a priority for beam, and engaging with government – on all sides of the house – remains crucial to that. So, we welcomed this opportunity to engage with members of the opposition and thank them for their interest.
“We collectively impressed upon them the industry’s benefits and the need for updated SIC codes to accurately reflect its value. Furthermore, we shared the need for an easier visa scheme for all and an event tax credit scheme to attract new events. We also shared an industry requirement for increased support in attracting international events, including practical support for competitiveness and increased national and regional convention bureau funding. Finally, we discussed leveraging events to help deliver government policies and create a legacy.”
The event’s first guest speaker, Martin Fullard of The Business of Events, spoke about strengthening the UK’s position as a global events hub and the need of increased government support and funding for global events. Martin commented: “It was a privilege to join senior leaders from the beam community at Cliveden House for the State of the Nation Lunch. It is very important that when we are talking about advancing the sector through policy, that we are not just talking to ourselves. As such, it was great to engage with Jack Rankin, MP for Windsor and Mike Wood MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade. I hope they found the presentation of The Business of Events’ Policy Agenda useful.”
Award-winning public affairs advisor John Rowland, Senior Partner at H/Advisors Cicero, considered the nation’s state under the new government. He believes businesses will have a constructive but complicated relationship with the new government and shared how he welcomes political stability, which requires an international impact that events can support.
Michael Hirst OBE of UKEVENTS spoke about existing engagement with the government on a comprehensive events strategy and the ongoing challenge of overcoming government department silos.
The event closed with Mike Wood MP sharing his commitment to support the events industry.
What our beam members said about the State of the Nation event:
“Being able to engage with politicians was invaluable – our £60bn plus industry now has a stronger voice to address crucial issues like SIC code updates and the upcoming workers’ rights bill under the new Labour government, elevating our future advocacy. As a collective group under the stewardship of Julie Shorrock and David Tremmil our industry now has a fighting chance of impacting its future and vocalising our importance to UK GDP.”
Jonathan Read l Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland
“The insights shared by Martin Fullard and John Rowland were thought-provoking and highly relevant to the current political and economic landscape. John’s analysis of the general election and his projections for the upcoming budget – especially around potential changes to Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax – provided real clarity on what businesses might expect in the near future. The event was an incredibly valuable experience and provided a fantastic platform for meaningful discussions and future collaborations. If you didn’t attend, you really missed a great event.”
Andrew Deakin, Managing Director l Conference Care
“Part of the value I draw from BCD M&E being beam members is the ability to hear from people within our industry who don’t do the same job as me. The event at Cliveden was a great example of that, with a diverse set of speakers who were broadly talking around similar subjects, but coming from different angles which meant you took something different, but equally valuable, from each. beam has grown it’s influence and reach as an association, and that is to the benefit of all its members.”
Jim Quintrell, Senior Director, Operations Lead, Venue Search UK | BCD Meetings & Events
“I valued the beam State of the Nation lunch providing a unique opportunity for key business and government leaders to engage, recognising the value of our industry and highlighting future considerations and opportunities”
Nick Scott, Managing Director l ArrangeMy
“Well done on a great State of the Nation event earlier. It was a truly prestigious occasion in glorious surroundings with sumptuous hospitality. I can’t comment on the quality of speakers!! – (I’m biased) but the content delivered some very thoughtful and insightful themes which will enrich our foresights and tactics going forward. Thank you for inviting me. It’s great to see beam up its game and take a leading roll in bringing together decision makers with influencers and not only representing your membership but paying a key role in the overall Industry. I look forward to more collaboration as we begin to develop the advocacy agenda and enhance our relationships with policymakers.”
Michael Hirst OBE l UKEVENTS
State of the Nation gallery
