Industry bodies urge government to restore Business Events Growth Programme funding after proven economic success
The Tourism Alliance and UKEVENTS have jointly expressed serious concerns over the UK Government’s decision to remove ringfenced funding for the Business Events Growth Programme (BEGP) and restructure the dedicated business events team within VisitBritain.
Supported by organizations from across the UK tourism, events, and visitor economy sectors, both bodies have formally written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Minister for Tourism, warning that the move could weaken the UK’s position in the highly competitive global business events market.
The industry groups are calling for urgent government intervention to restore funding and maintain national support for attracting major international conferences, exhibitions, and congresses.
Business Events Growth Programme Delivered Strong Economic Returns
Industry leaders argue that the decision comes despite clear evidence of the programme’s success. Independent evaluations show that the Business Events Growth Programme generated a 35:1 return on investment, producing approximately £60.6 million in direct economic impact from less than £1.8 million in public funding since its launch in 2018.
According to Eddy Leviten, Executive Director of the Tourism Alliance, the programme should be viewed as a valuable economic growth tool rather than a public expense.
Leviten stated that removing support from a programme delivering such significant returns risks reducing future international trade opportunities, inward investment, and high-value visitor spending across the UK.
Programme Supported Events Across 18 UK Cities
Since its inception, the BEGP has helped secure and support 167 international business events across 18 cities throughout the UK.
The economic benefits have extended well beyond London, with destinations including Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Edinburgh all benefiting from international delegate spending and associated business opportunities.
Industry stakeholders warn that the removal of dedicated national coordination and specialist bid support could jeopardize future event acquisitions and long-term economic growth.
Major International Event Bids Could Be Affected
The events sector has highlighted concerns that several high-profile international bids currently under development could be placed at risk without continued government support.
Applications in progress are expected to generate more than £41 million in delegate expenditure, while major future opportunities include:
- International Congress of Mathematicians, Glasgow – 5,000 delegates
- World Electric Vehicle Symposium, Birmingham – 11,000 delegates
- ITS World Congress 2027, Birmingham – 16,000 delegates
Industry leaders stress that securing events of this scale requires coordinated national support, competitive bid funding, and specialist expertise.
Global Competitors Continue to Increase Investment
The concerns come as other leading destinations around the world continue to strengthen their investment in the business events sector.
Australia has extended its Business Events Bid Fund through 2032, while Canada has increased funding support following industry advocacy efforts. Meanwhile, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates continue expanding targeted initiatives aimed at attracting international conferences, exhibitions, and trade events.
These investments are designed to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing global meetings and events market.
UKEVENTS Calls for Immediate Government Action
Glenn Bowdin, Chair of UKEVENTS, warned that international competition for business events is becoming increasingly intense.
He noted that many countries are expanding their support mechanisms rather than reducing them, creating a more challenging environment for destinations competing to host major international gatherings.
Bowdin emphasized that without comparable support and investment, the UK risks losing valuable opportunities that generate tourism revenue, business partnerships, international trade, and long-term economic benefits.
Industry Seeks Restoration of National Support
The Tourism Alliance and UKEVENTS are urging the government to reconsider its decision and restore dedicated funding for the Business Events Growth Programme.
Industry representatives argue that business events play a critical role in driving economic growth, attracting foreign investment, supporting regional development, and enhancing the UK’s global reputation as a leading destination for international conferences and exhibitions.
As competition intensifies worldwide, the sector believes continued government backing is essential to ensure the UK remains competitive in securing high-value international events for years to come.
