beam and the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) have responded to the Government’s announcement of a 20% reduction in business rates for pubs, social clubs and live music venues across England from April 2027. While both associations welcome support for businesses facing continued financial pressure, they are calling for greater recognition of the venues that support the UK’s business events industry.
David Tremmil, Chair of beam, said:
“We welcome any support for hospitality and leisure venues under pressure, and today’s 20% rates cut will make a real difference to the pubs, clubs and live music venues it covers.
“But let’s be clear about who this is for. Hotels, conference and training venues, and exhibition space are all excluded from the scheme – so despite the headlines, this isn’t support for the business events sector, and restaurants don’t qualify either.
“The business events industry delivers enormous economic value, yet keeps being left out when targeted support is designed, just as we saw with the recent cuts to VisitBritain’s business events capability. Business events need the same recognition and the same level of backing as the rest of hospitality and tourism gets. Today’s announcement is welcome for the venues it covers, but it isn’t a solution for ours.”
Shonali Devereaux, CEO of the MIA, commented:
“Business events are not simply an extension of hospitality; they are an important part of the UK’s economic infrastructure. Our venues provide the places where people come together to do business, exchange knowledge, build relationships and attract investment into destinations across the country.
“We absolutely recognise the pressures facing pubs and live music venues and welcome measures that help them remain viable. But our members are facing many of those same cost pressures. If government wants to support businesses that contribute to thriving places and local economies, business events need to be part of that conversation.”
