Louisa Watson, Chair of beam Association, explains how the UK business events sector is shaping its future.
The UK business events market stands at a pivotal crossroads, facing unparalleled opportunities and significant challenges.
The industry is a cornerstone of economic growth and creativity, bringing people together to share ideas, foster innovation, and drive progress. It’s an extraordinary sector, resilient and uniquely people-focused, and its success lies in the power of collaboration.
This year presents new hurdles, including increased National Insurance contributions and higher tourist taxes or ETA fees – which now makes the UK one of the costliest destinations to enter. These changes add burdens for businesses and could hinder efforts to attract overseas events. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, there is enormous potential to showcase the UK as the world’s premier destination for events – if we work together.
beam is proud to become the first Corporate Group Member and play an active role in the newly reconstituted APPG for Business Events, working with and alongside UKEvents. This marks a significant step in advocating reform and gaining government recognition and support for the sector. beam remains deeply committed to this effort, ensuring the sector’s voice is heard and its critical importance to the UK economy is understood.
The UK business events sector has consistently shown its resilience. Whether weathering economic fluctuations, political uncertainties, or the aftermath of the pandemic, it has adapted and thrived.
This resilience is driven by beam’s shared commitment to delivering exceptional events for its clients. By pooling its collective expertise, resources, and ideas, it ensures that this commitment endures.
The strength of our industry lies in its people and their ability to create unparalleled experiences. Collaboration between venues, agencies, and suppliers is more vital than ever. This is an exciting time for the UK business events market, full of promise and potential. Together, we can find innovative ways to navigate these challenges and seize opportunities to strengthen the UK’s position on the global stage.