The Events Industry is facing more uncertainty following the Prime Minister’s announcement that the government’s move to Step 4 of its roadmap will be delayed until 19 July in England.
In Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is set to provide an update to the Scottish Parliament on Monday (21 June).
The Meetings Industry Association have commented on the delay, Jane Longhurst (Chief Executive) said: “Our view is that it is better to delay for four weeks rather than have an unsettling re-trenching further down the line – as has happened with the travel corridors that has seen countries such as Portugal being moved to the amber travel list with very little warning.
“With venues investing an average £41,113 in enhanced hygiene and infection control measures and securing accreditations such as AIM Secure to ensure their properties are safe, we know from the early results of the pilots that business meetings and events can operate safely, but we want to open and remain open without capacity restrictions when it is safe to do so.
“The ongoing issue being faced by our industry is confidence to book and commit to contracting events. We fully appreciate that any delay continues to fuel that uncertainty and is potentially going to damage confidence even further.
“The mia remains committed to its lobbying work and ongoing direct liaison with government to seek recognition and support in addressing the unique challenges faced by the business meetings and events sector.”
Ahead of the First Minister’s update, The Scottish Chambers of Commerce have commented, Dr Liz Cameron OBE (Chief Executive) said: “Businesses who have been patiently waiting for restrictions to ease will be deeply frustrated by the Prime Minister’s announcement confirming the delay of the planned June 21st lockdown lifting in England and the subsequent prospect of further delay in Scotland.
“It’s essential, if restrictions in Scotland are extended, that the Scottish Government implement a fair balance of targeted restrictions that allows the gradual reopening of the economy to continue whilst tackling the growth of the Delta variant.
“We must also see the vaccine programme accelerated wherever possible – dedicating all available resources to this – while looking at opening up areas of Scotland with low levels of transmission and high levels of vaccination.
“If such confidence, reassurance and support are not provided by the government, then we will see more jobs and livelihoods placed under immediate threat. For businesses who have come so far over the past year, all possible action should be taken to prevent job losses and business shutdowns.”
For those seeking guidance in Scotland, EventScotland and the Event Industry Advisory Group, held a webinar last week- Innovation and Good Practice: Covid-19 Guidance- which is available to watch here until the end of the day (18 June).
Sources:
- Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce
- EventScotland
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