Committee publication · Correspondence · 13 January 2026
Letter from Patricia Yates, Chief Executive, VisitBritain, regarding business events, 5 January 2026
From: Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Inquiry: Major events
Summary
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland, welcomes the Culture, Media and Sport Committee's inclusion of business events in its major events inquiry. She outlines VisitBritain's two programmes—the Business Events Growth Programme (£60.6m returned 2018–2024, £35 return per £1 invested) and MeetEngland (442 new enquiries since April 2024, £334.5m potential delegate spend)—and requests government support through ministerial advocacy, a cross-government working group, Department of Business and Trade recognition, and sustained funding prioritisation.
Key findings
- Business Events Growth Programme delivered £60.6 million direct return to UK economy 2018–2024 across 91 events in 18 cities; current expansion supports 72 potential/confirmed events across 13 cities (April 2024–December 2025).
- MeetEngland generated 442 new business event enquiries to English destinations since April 2024, worth £334.5 million in potential delegate spend; 93 events secured contributed £26.5 million additional delegate spend April 2024–September 2025.
- International trade shows (IMEX Frankfurt, IMEX America, IBTM World) in 2025 connected MeetEngland destination partners with global event buyers through 1,130+ appointments.
- VisitBritain requests four government support measures: ministerial advocacy letters and attendance at trade shows; establishment of cross-government working group for rapid bid endorsement and departmental coordination; Department of Business and Trade collaboration recognition; and long-term prioritisation and funding amid tight public sector envelope.
- Business events identified as vehicles for inward investment, international partnerships, soft power, and regional economic growth aligned with Modern Industrial Strategy; current funding described as insufficient.
Tone
FactualTopics
Key actors
Patricia Yates, Dame Caroline Dinenage, VisitBritain, VisitEngland, British Tourist Authority, Department of Business and Trade, Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Notable line
“For every £1 invested in the programme, the UK economy saw a return of £35.”
Key Quotes
“The industry delivers significant value for the UK's economy by attracting inward investment, fostering new international partnerships, and creating employment opportunities for local people.”
“For every £1 invested in the programme, the UK economy saw a return of £35.”
“A distinct and clear approach to government support is needed to bring the country in line with international competitors, helping to generate new business for Britain and prevent a loss of market share.”
“VisitBritain has a small ring-fenced pot to fund the Business Events Growth Programme, but not the Business Events staff, while Meet England is funded from the England core budget which is already small compared to the other nations and has many other priorities.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗