Meeting industry associations in the UK have voiced concern following VisitBritain’s decision to restructure its business events division amid wider funding reductions.
The interventions follow previously announced cuts to VisitBritain’s government grant-in-aid funding, which fell by 41 per cent to £10.57m, prompting fears across the meetings and events sector about the future of the UK’s international business events activity and competitiveness.
David Tremmil, chair of beam, said the association was “deeply concerned” by the changes, which saw head of business events Paul Black leave his role.
“The UK business events industry contributes billions to the economy annually, supports thousands of jobs across hospitality, venues, travel, production, technology and the wider supply chain, and plays a vital role in driving international trade and inward investment,” he said.
“Reducing dedicated support for business events sends the wrong message to an industry that continues to deliver significant economic impact across the UK.”
Tremmil warned the cuts risk weakening the UK’s competitiveness internationally at a time when many rival destinations continue to invest heavily in attracting meetings, conferences, exhibitions and incentive travel.
“Business events are not simply tourism; they drive investment, create commercial opportunities, support regional economies and showcase UK expertise internationally,” he added. “At a time when the UK economy needs growth, trade and inward investment, reducing support for one of the sectors that actively delivers those opportunities risks becoming a false economy.”
MIA chief executive Shonali Devereaux said the restructure highlighted wider concerns around how the sector is recognised at government level.
“VisitBritain’s own figures show international business events generated approximately £2.8 billion of inbound spend into the UK in 2024, while the wider UK business events sector contributes more than £33.6 billion annually to the economy,” she said.
“The UK currently ranks fifth globally for international association meetings, but our ability to maintain competitiveness and drive inward investment will inevitably weaken without strategic support and meaningful collaboration between government, VisitBritain and the business events sector.”
Devereaux also criticised the lack of a coordinated government approach to business events policy.
“Despite its significant contribution to economic growth, the sector lacks consistent representation within government, with responsibility spread across multiple departments rather than a single, coordinated point of engagement,” she said.
Stuart Yeates, chief commercial officer at Clermont Hotel Group, described the news as “very disappointing”.
“We are having more and more requests from business event planners across the globe and just when we feel like there is real momentum, hearing this news is very disappointing,” he said.
“In order to accelerate growth, it is imperative that we continue to move forward in our promotion rather than stepping back and waiting for the business to come to us.”
