UK Events has called on the Chancellor to support the UK’s events sector ahead of the 2025 Autumn Budget, which takes place on Wednesday 26 November.
In its budget submission, UKEVENTS: The Opportunity for Growth, the industry body says targeted Treasury action could unlock £14–18bn in extra trade and consumer activity each year. The measures could also create up to 100,000 jobs and raise substantial new tax revenues.
The UK events industry currently generates £61.5 billion in direct consumer spending and drives over £200 billion in trade, research, and innovation annually. It supports around 700,000 jobs nationwide.
UK Events is urging HM Treasury to extend reliefs for new and regional event productions, expand VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme, reform business rates, stabilise VAT for venues and suppliers, and explore National Insurance reliefs for event-driven industries.
The organisation argues these steps would help the UK compete with destinations such as Paris, Dubai, and Singapore. They would also strengthen employment links with other creative sectors.
Glenn Bowdin, chair of UKEVENTS, said: “Events are a proven growth engine for the UK economy. They drive trade, tourism, inward investment, and regional regeneration, all the priorities that align with the Government’s growth agenda.”
He added: “With modest, targeted support, the events industry can deliver exceptional returns for the Treasury, create thousands of skilled jobs, and reinforce the UK’s global standing as a hub for innovation, creativity and connection.”
Vice-chair David Tremmill added: “Our industry already contributes more than £200bn in economic value and supports over 700,000 people across every corner of the UK. We are asking for recognition, not rescue. By extending proven incentive schemes and modernising outdated fiscal policies, the Government can unleash the full potential of a sector that delivers tangible economic, social and cultural dividends for the nation.”
The submission also highlights the role of events in levelling up, supporting regional economies, and strengthening community engagement. UKEVENTS is calling for collaboration between HM Treasury, DCMS, DBT, and DfE to align fiscal policy with the industry’s growth potential.
Bowdin added: “Now is the time to act. The UK events industry is not just back – it’s growing. With the right framework, it can lead the world.”
