Imagine having people from all over the world gather in one place to share ideas, make connections, and attend meetings. Now imagine that each event brings millions of pounds to that place. That’s exactly what VisitBritain has been doing with its new program to boost international business events in the UK. Their efforts have added a whopping £45.5 million to Britain’s economy, and here’s how they did it.

What’s VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme?

VisitBritain, the country’s tourism and events organization, launched the Business Events Growth Programme (BEGP) with a mission: to bring more international business events to Britain and increase the number of attendees. Over five years, from 2018 to 2023, the programme has helped secure 62 events in 18 cities. These events have taken place in various regions and cities across Britain, generating a huge economic boost every time.

The program’s results were officially announced on October 29 at a big gathering of events industry leaders in London. They revealed that for every pound invested in BEGP, around £33 of revenue was generated for Britain’s economy, either through new events or from extra delegate spending.

How Has the Programme Boosted the Economy?

The Business Events Growth Programme has been a massive economic booster for Britain. By bringing international delegates, the programme didn’t just support hotels, venues, and conference centers, but also brought spending to local businesses, restaurants, transportation, and shops in each city.

In the financial year 2022-2023 alone, the programme supported 27 business events in 14 different cities. This was a record number, almost double the events held in 2019-2020. These events targeted key industries that are priorities for the UK government, such as:

Healthcare and Life Sciences – events focused on medical and healthcare innovations.
Technology and Innovation – events discussing the latest in tech advancements.
Energy Transition and Environment – tackling the challenges of sustainable energy and climate change.
Advanced Manufacturing – focusing on high-tech manufacturing processes.
Education – bringing together leaders in education from around the world.

Each of these events didn’t just bring delegates; it also brought business and investment opportunities for the UK.

Why Does Britain Stand Out for Business Events?

Patricia Yates, the CEO of VisitBritain, proudly spoke about the impact of the program: “These results prove how important our Business Events Growth Programme is for the industry and our economy. It also shows just how good Britain is at hosting business events, attracting top talent and expertise from around the globe.”

Since the pandemic, the program has shown year-on-year growth in business events, bringing more economic and social benefits to Britain’s cities. Events didn’t just stop at filling up hotel rooms and conference centers; they brought a broader positive impact to host cities, including cultural promotions, environmental initiatives, and community projects.

Adding a Green Touch to Business Events

In recent years, sustainability has become a big focus for the program. Since 2022, any event applying to BEGP must show proof of eco-friendly policies and outline positive impact goals that go beyond just economic gains. For example:

Community Engagement: Some events are now actively connecting with local communities, including them in programs and activities.
Research and Development: Others contribute to the local knowledge base by investing in research projects.
Waste Reduction Policies: Many events are cutting down on waste, promoting recycling, and encouraging the use of sustainable products.
Support for Startups: Events have also supported British startups by creating opportunities for networking and attracting investment.

This approach aligns perfectly with Britain’s goal to become more eco-conscious and encourages event planners to think about the wider impact of their gatherings.

Real-Life Success Stories

The Business Events Growth Programme has already made a difference in several cities. Let’s take a look at a couple of examples:

Sheffield and the Maker Spaces Conference
In Sheffield, BEGP played a key role in bringing the International Association of Maker Spaces conference. Emma France, a Marketing Sheffield Manager, said the program was essential in helping the event succeed. She explained, “The Business Events Growth Programme has been a gamechanger for some events coming to Sheffield. Without this support, we couldn’t have hosted the International Association of Maker Spaces, especially after it had been in the US for so long.”
Glasgow’s Growing Reputation
The city of Glasgow has also benefited from the program. Aileen Crawford, the Head of Glasgow Convention Bureau, shared how the program helped Glasgow attract major international conferences. “Our clients love the cooperation between the government, the SEC, and the Convention Bureau. The programme has been instrumental in helping our clients attract more delegates, which increases the economic value of the event for our city.” She added that the program has allowed Glasgow to reach new audiences worldwide, drawing in top researchers, academics, and industry leaders.

These success stories show that BEGP is not just about securing events but also about building long-term relationships with global associations and creating new opportunities for the cities that host these events.

What’s Next for VisitBritain’s Business Events Programme?

With £45.5 million already added to Britain’s economy, VisitBritain’s program is just getting started. The organization is planning to support even more events in the coming years, attracting new sectors and adapting to trends like sustainability and community engagement. There’s a strong focus on continuing to draw international attention to Britain as a top choice for business events.

The program’s success demonstrates how a well-planned initiative can bring not only economic benefits but also environmental and social improvements. It’s a win-win for Britain and everyone involved in these international events.