Rugby world cup hero Jonny Wilkinson supports Britain's events sector
A campaign is being launched to promote the recovery of the UK’s events industry, which has been badly hit by the impact of the coronavirus crisis.
The sector employs more than 1.5 million people, but has effectively been mothballed since March.
The campaign will raise awareness of the importance of business events, urging organisations to press ahead with trade shows, conferences, product launches, charity fundraisers and other live events in 2021 as they are given the green light to resume.
For example, event venues in Leeds are responsible for £543.3m of direct expenditure, according to the campaigners.
The campaign video includes contributions from rugby World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson and Will Greenwood; double Olympic champion Daley Thompson; astronaut Tim Peake; chefs Angela Harnett and Tom Kerridge; comedian Rory Bremner; events promoter Harvey Goldsmith; and leading charities.
Simon Hughes, co-founder of the #wecreateexperiences campaign, said: “The events industry is ready to get back to work and to play its part in rebooting the economy.
“We are known internationally for our world-leading safety standards so we can be trusted to stage safe events that will help businesses grow and showcase their work, charities to generate much-needed revenue and allow all of us to experience the pleasure of the real, rather than the virtual world.
“Our industry provides employment across the UK, creating opportunities for young people, generates £165 billion in trade and touches millions of lives through business events and exhibitions, festivals, weddings and community and charity events.”