The post-Brexit deficit paralyzes the UK’s events industry’s ability to operate across Europe, according to a new whitepaper published today by the event business.
This paper reveals how the lack of specific sector provisions in the EU-UK Trade Cooperation Agreement (TCA) creates a costly, complex and fragmented operating environment and threatens the global competitiveness of the UK events industry.
Since Brexit, event institutions and freelancers have struggled to navigate a patchwork of immigration regulations across 27 EU member states. This includes increased administrative burden, spiral visa costs, fines, deportation, travel bans, and increased risk of non-compliance, resulting in industry-wide outcomes, loss of contracts, reduced client trust and increased drainage of talent.
“The lack of dedicated visa categories for event delivery professionals is making our industry suffocating,” said Mike Fletcher, director of business news and content for the event.
“We have witnessed UK organisations losing contracts, freelancer prices falling out of the market, and EU clients turning their backs on uncertainty and costs. Without urgent reform, we risk losing our position on the global stage.”
The whitepaper recommends a series of actions aimed at government and industry stakeholders, including resuming the TCA to create event-specific visa exemptions, creating clear national guidance, and establishing centralized support services for event professionals navigating EU work requirements.
Advocating reform, the report encourages event organizations to build visa plans in project timelines and budgets, and encourages mutual understanding and viable solutions in pursuit of an increase in community with UK and EU trade associations.
Fletcher added: “This paper inspires policymakers and industry leaders to act to protect one of the UK’s most vibrant and globally recognized creative sectors. We balance the future of cross-border event delivery, as there is no meaningful change in recommendations with all-party parliamentary groups without any meaningful change.”
Download a copy of the EU UK Event Business visa and work permit
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