The Conference Industry Association (MIA) responded to a spring statement from Rachel Reeves in the House of Representatives on March 26th. CEO Shonali Devereaux is concerned about the lack of targeted support for the UK’s £61.6bn event industry.
Devereau commented on several key areas of the announcement, including UK growth forecasts and rising employment costs.
Economic contributions were overlooked
The Budget Responsibility Office has reduced its UK growth forecast for 2025 from 2% to 1%. Devereaux warned that the continued under-awareness of the event sector was a missed opportunity to stimulate economic activity.
“It encourages a wide range of business activities, introverted investment, innovation in all meetings, exhibitions, and conferences, and supports job creation. Business meetings and events directly donate £16.3 billion a year to the UK economy, but remains an invisible industry for many policymakers.”
Changes to national insurance and labor issues
Devereaux also criticized the fall budget for increased employers’ national insurance contributions (effective on April 6, from 13.8% to 15%). She cited a new study showing that two-thirds of sector employers struggle to play a role.
“Our sectors rely on flexible, part-time and temporary staff on their own. These changes can make it difficult to provide competitive salaries and maintain skilled professionals.
The MIA repeated its appeal for sector-specific employment benefits, confirming this week that it will be writing to the MP to promote a more fairer employment policy.
Enhance political engagement
Following a recent parliamentary event with Ukevents, the MIA has announced a new collaboration initiative to raise awareness of the event sector across all 650 UK constituencies.
“We believe that using collective voices will demonstrate events that play a key role in promoting economic growth, job creation and community development,” Devereaux said.
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