Event Industry Updates
This page contains information on the action being taken and the resources available to support companies operating in the UK events industry.
Event Hire Association sits on the panel of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events. You’ll find information, developments and updates below.
If you have any questions or wish to speak to us about these topics please contact us on 0121 380 4600 or email marketing@eha.org.uk.
Conference, Exhibition and Trade Fair Sector Could Miss Out On Growth Without Government Action, MPs Warn
The UK’s multi-billion-pound conference, exhibition and trade fair sector risks falling behind overseas competitors and missing out on valuable economic opportunities unless there is a new focus and commitment to funding from government.
The warning, in a report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, follows an evidence session in December where witnesses emphasised that the requirements of the business events sector, which generates more than £33 billion a year and support hundreds of thousands of jobs, are often overshadowed within broader discussions of major events.
Concluding that the government’s current approach is limiting the ability of the sector to compete internationally, the report calls for business events to be seen as a distinct, trade-driven sector separate from major events and tourism policy and for a new long-term national strategy.
The cross-party committee is also calling on the government to maintain funding for promoting business events abroad and to reconsider the decision to reduce the size of the business events team at national tourism agency VisitBritain.
To boost competitiveness the government should also review cost pressures and simplify visa processes to benefit business events and international delegates, the report adds.
Chair comment
Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the CMS Committee, said: “The huge contribution they make to the economy demonstrates the exceptional quality of the conferences, exhibitions and trade fairs held every day across the country.
“The Government’s decision to slash support for business events is utterly irrational and entirely counterproductive, when we should be supporting the sector to boost economic growth.
“It’s time for the Government to show it understands the importance and distinctiveness of the business events sector.”
Quarterly Briefing Released by APPG for Events
The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events has released its latest Quarterly Briefing, summarising its work over the past three months, and some upcoming activity.
The briefing was produced after the group held its AGM on Tuesday 14th April. It covers the election and appointment of parliamentary representatives, an Evidence Session to look at challenges being faced in the sector, plans for a Scotland Roundtable, and more.
The Event Hire Association is represented on the APPG for Events by Board Member Stuart Slaughter, who was elected to the group in January 2025.
Stuart says, “As Chair of the Event Hire Association, we continue to support and help shape the future of this remarkable community and champion the sector. Event equipment hire is more than just logistics, it’s a critical component of the circular economy. It enables the seamless delivery of world-class events while driving sustainability, as well as supporting many jobs and adding value to communities across the UK.
“As a corporate member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events and through regular communication, we continue to ensure the voices of Event Hire Association members are heard in Westminster, and to support and strengthen the businesses that underpin our sector.”
Government Reshuffle Includes Change to APPG for Events
The UK Parliament opened this week and began with a reshuffle of Government Ministers. This is now complete and here is the list of appointments to roles.
Departments have remained the same but some functions have moved. Most notably, the skills portfolio has moved from Education to an expanded Department of Work and Pensions. Several Ministers have dual roles working across departments.
A new board has been set up involving Ministers, officials and business representation to support the Budget process. The Chancellor has confirmed 26th November as the date for the 2025 Budget.
Hire Industry Matters
Of direct relevance to HAE EHA priorities, there has been an entirely new ministerial team installed at the Home Office. The new policing and crime minister is Sarah Jones MP (formerly the Construction Minister).
The Construction portfolio has yet to be allocated within the Business and Trade Department. HAE EHA will make early contact with these new ministers.
APPG for Events
Shaun Davies MP, previously Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events has been appointed as Parliamentary Private Secretary to Defence Secretary. This means that he can no longer hold officer roles in APPGs so he will be standing down as Chair with immediate effect.
The APPG for Events will organise an Extraordinary General Meeting as soon as possible, to elect a new Chair.
Stuart Slaughter, who represents Event Hire Association on the APPG said; “I congratulate Shaun on his new role and for his enthusiastic championing of the events sector”.
All Party Parliamentary Group for Events has First Meeting
All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events (APPG) is a cross-party group made up of members from both Houses of Parliament and will act as the event industry’s voice in Westminster.
The Event Hire Association was delighted to advise that EHA Event Equipment Board Chair Stuart Slaughter from Plato Catering Hire would be represent Members on the APPG.
The APPG for Events provides a forum for the highly diverse and valuable UK events industry in Parliament, engaging with representatives from across the political spectrum. The APPG will play a key role in keeping the events industry high on the Parliamentary agenda.
Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford (Labour) was formally elected as Chair of the APPG. In addition, as per Parliamentary rules, three further Officers were also nominated and elected, who were: Jack Rankin, Member of Parliament for Windsor (Conservative), David Baines, Member of Parliament for St Helens North (Labour) and Gill German, Member of Parliament for Clwyd North (Labour).
Stuart attended the first meeting on 6th May 2025. Paul Gaze HAE EHA CEO, said, “As Chair of the Event Hire Association and a passionate advocate for the events sector, Stuart Slaughter from Plato Catering Hire was the unanimous choice for the APPG.
“The first meeting was a great opportunity to meet with the MPs and explain the significant contribution and impact that the events sector has both here on the UK economy and beyond these shores, representing UK PLC. The events sector also plays a vital role in community development, bringing people and businesses together.
“Establishing an APPG for events is a critical step in showcasing the vital work of the sector to the politicians and decision makers and assisting the Government in better understanding the impact of the sector.
“The APPG brings together people to advocate and shape policy, highlighting the economic value of an essential sector and showcasing the organisations, people, and businesses who make a difference. It is strategically, socially, and economically important to the events sector that the APPG spreads the word. The Event Hire Association is delighted that EHA Chair, Stuart Slaughter is leading the charge for us in this event on the APPG.”
An APPG for Events Biannual Briefing document was published in July covering the activities of its Chair, MP Shaun Davies, since the group’s formation. These include:
EHA Will Be Represented on the All Party Parliamentary Group for Events
The Office of Daniel Greenberg, the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, has confirmed the reformation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events.
An APPG is a cross-party group consisting of members from both Houses of Parliament and representatives from its supported industry sector, acting as that sector’s voice in Westminster.
The APPG for Events will provide a forum for the highly diverse and valuable UK events industry, engaging with representatives from across the political spectrum. The group will play a vital role in keeping the events industry high on the parliamentary agenda.
Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford (Labour) was formally elected as Chair of the APPG. In addition, three further Officers were also nominated and elected: Jack Rankin, Member of Parliament for Windsor (Conservative), David Baines, Member of Parliament for St Helens North (Labour) and Gill German, Member of Parliament for Clwyd North (Labour).
Event Hire Association is delighted to announce that Stuart Slaughter, managing director of Plato Catering Hire and member of the HAE EHA Main Board will represent association members in the group.
Stuart said “I’m really proud to have been elected to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events. I look forward to ensuring the event equipment hire sector and our members are at the forefront of all parliamentary decisions”.