The Business Visits and Events Partnership (BVEP) has launched a major new policy document for the UK events industry: “Opportunities for Global Growth in Britain’s Events Sector”.

The policy document outlines the issues, opportunities and challenges that will help Britain achieve a more competitive, more profitable and higher profile as it repositions itself following the decision to leave the European Union.

The policy highlights five key areas of opportunity for the events sector:
· To make a bigger role for government working with the events industry
· To grow infrastructure and enable greater access and investment
· To create a more competitive tax regime
· To avoid greater regulation
· To support the industry and business sectors that sustain the events industry

BVEP vice chair, Simon Hughes, said: “There’s no doubt that support for the events industry in Britain will reap tremendous benefits in terms of greater trade, increased exports, more inward investment, stronger community cohesion and higher levels of civic and national pride.

“We now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present a clear view of both the key policies and new opportunities which our partners believe will help Britain transition into a new global role following our exit from the EU. This document is a rallying cry for all event professionals to make the most of the government’s focus on trade and industry and the role events can play in supporting Britain plc.”

In a further show of support for the events sector, the BVEP has also confirmed the Department for International Trade (DIT) as a Supporting Government Department to the Partnership.

Welcoming the commitment from DIT, BVEP Chair, Michael Hirst OBE, said: “We welcome the fact that the government has recognised the importance of events in growing international trade, in its new Industrial Strategy. Having the DIT as a Supporting Government Department to the BVEP will make even more effective the task of identifying and implementing opportunities to grow Britain’s business and exports though the medium of trade fairs, exhibitions, congresses and meetings.”