UKEVENTS, the umbrella organisation representing the UK’s exhibitions, conferences, meetings, cultural, and live events industries, has called on the Chancellor to back one of Britain’s most dynamic growth sectors ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget.

In its official budget submission, UKEVENTS: The Opportunity for Growth, the partnership outlines how strategic Treasury measures could unlock an additional £14–18 billion in annual trade and consumer activity, supporting up to 100,000 new jobs and generating substantial new tax revenues.

The UK events industry currently delivers £61.5 billion in direct consumer spending and, according to best estimates, drives more than £200 billion in trade, research, and innovation each year, supporting approximately 700,000 jobs across the country.

The submission urges HM Treasury to:

• Extend Treasury-backed reliefs for new and regional event productions;
• Expand the VisitBritain Business Events Growth Programme, which already delivers a 33:1 return on investment;
• Reform business rates and stabilise VAT for event venues and suppliers; and
• Explore National Insurance reliefs for high-employment, event-driven industries.

These targeted fiscal measures, UK Events argues, would accelerate growth, strengthen the UK’s competitiveness against rival destinations such as Paris, Dubai and Singapore, and sustain jobs that share skills with the wider creative industries, particularly at a time when global production incentives are shifting.

Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, said: “Events are a proven growth engine for the UK economy. They drive trade, tourism, inward investment, and regional regeneration, all the priorities that align with the Government’s growth agenda.

With modest, targeted support, the events industry can deliver exceptional returns for the Treasury, create thousands of skilled jobs, and reinforce the UK’s global standing as a hub for innovation, creativity and connection.”

David Tremmill, Vice Chair of UKEVENTS, added: “Our industry already contributes more than £200 billion in economic value and supports over 700,000 people across every corner of the UK.

We are asking for recognition, not rescue. By extending proven incentive schemes and modernising outdated fiscal policies, the Government can unleash the full potential of a sector that delivers tangible economic, social and cultural dividends for the nation.”

The submission also highlights the sector’s ability to address regional inequalities and deliver placemaking, community cohesion, and prosperity across the UK, vital components of levelling-up and local growth agendas.

UKEVENTS is calling for cross-departmental collaboration between HM Treasury, DCMS, DBT, and DfE to align fiscal policy with the sector’s growth capacity, ensuring the UK remains globally competitive in attracting major conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events.

“Now is the time to act,” Bowdin added. “The UK events industry is not just back — it’s growing. With the right framework, it can lead the world.”