The UK business events sector has been handed a rare opportunity.

Following the publication of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's landmark report on business events, industry associations have united behind a joint letter calling on government to act on its recommendations.

As a proud supporter of beam, Brighter is delighted to stand behind this collective call and add our name as a signatory.

This is more than an industry letter. It is a chance for our sector to speak with one voice and ensure that the economic, social and commercial value of business events receives the recognition it deserves.

You can read the letter - which was sent to the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on Tuesday - here.

A defining moment for business events

For years, event professionals have championed the impact that conferences, exhibitions, trade shows and business gatherings have on economic growth, innovation, investment and regional development.

The CMS committee report acknowledges this contribution in clear terms.

It states that business events generate £33.6 billion for the UK economy every year and support hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country.

Yet despite this significant impact, the report concludes that the sector has often been overlooked within government policy and lacks the strategic support enjoyed by competitor nations.

Importantly, the committee chose to publish a dedicated report on business events rather than including the issues within its wider major events inquiry, recognising that our sector has unique challenges and opportunities that require focused attention.

Why beam's call matters

Around 40 organisations have already pledged their support for the joint industry letter, but the strength of the message will come from widespread participation across the sector.

As beam Chair David Tremmil highlighted in his call to members, advocacy only works when it is collective.

This is an opportunity for venues, agencies, suppliers, associations and event professionals to unite behind a shared ambition - ensuring the Government converts recommendations into action.

For Brighter, supporting this initiative was an easy decision.

We see first-hand how business events create connections, generate opportunities, share knowledge and drive economic growth.

We also understand the challenges the sector faces in competing internationally and securing the recognition it deserves.

We take a look at the key recommendations from the CMS committeereport which could significantly strengthen the UK's position as a global business events destination:

Create a national business events strategy

One of the committee's most significant recommendations is the development of a standalone, long-term national business events strategy aligned with the Government's industrial strategy.

The report also calls for the creation of a sector-led National Business Events Council to improve coordination between industry and government.

This would provide the clear vision and leadership currently lacking across the sector.

Protect funding for business events promotion

The committee expressed concern over reports that VisitBritain's business events team is being dramatically reduced and that the Business Events Growth Programme is being removed.

It urged government to maintain funding for international promotion and reconsider plans to reduce specialist business events resources.

At a time when competitor destinations are increasing investment, maintaining support is crucial.

Recognise business events as a standalone sector

A key recommendation is that responsibility for business events should move from a tourism-focused framework into the Department for Business and Trade.

The committee argues that business events are fundamentally trade-driven and should be recognised as a strategic economic sector in their own right.

Such a shift could help align business events more closely with economic growth, investment and export objectives.

Increase ministerial engagement

The report highlights the positive impact of ministerialattendance at major business events and recommends clear expectations andreporting around ministerial participation.

Government presence can add credibility, attractinternational delegates and strengthen the UK's position when competing forglobal events.

Address cost pressures

The committee found that rising costs are affecting the UK's competitiveness.

It recommends a review of issues including VAT, AirPassenger Duty, Electronic Travel Authorisation charges and business rates, alongside continued investment in regional transport infrastructure.

Reducing barriers to hosting and attending events would help the UK compete more effectively with European destinations.

Simplify international access

The report also highlights concerns around post-Brexitbarriers, including visa complexity and recognition of professional qualifications.

Recommendations include simplifying visa processes, improving guidance for organisers and pursuing agreements that make it easier for event professionals to work across borders.

These changes could significantly improve the UK's attractiveness to international organisers, exhibitors and delegates.

A sector-wide opportunity

What makes this report different is that it does not simply celebrate the value of business events - it provides a clear roadmap for how government can support future growth.

The challenge now is ensuring these recommendations do not lose momentum.

That is why beam's letter is so important. It gives our industry the chance to show policymakers that there is widespread support for change and that the business events community is united behind a common vision.

Looking ahead

At Brighter, we are proud to stand alongside beam and the many organisations supporting this call.

The business events sector has proven its value time and again. Now we have an opportunity to secure the recognition, investment and strategic support that will help the UK remain competitive on the global stage.

The CMS committee has delivered its recommendations and the industry has spoken with one voice - the next step is for government to listen and act.

You can read the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's reportin full here.

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