Fast action needed to save events sector, says Chamber
BUSINESS leaders this week called for swift action to save the conference, exhibition and events industries after the Government’s latest round of Covid-19 measures placed further uncertainty on those sectors.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that conferences, exhibitions and major sporting events will no longer be able to resume on October 1.
Further measures have been placed on hospitality, leisure and retail too, with a 10pm curfew for bars and restaurants and stricter mask-wearing rules for taxi users, staff and customers in indoor hospitality venues (except when seated to eat or drink) and retail employees.
Leisure, retail and tourism firms have also been warned they face fines or closure if they fail to abide by restrictions, while the first-time penalty for failing to wear a mask or abide by the rule of six will double to £200.
While the Prime Minister did promise measures to support the conference and exhibitions sector, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce said action must be taken swiftly.
Chief executive Paul Faulkner said: “Major sporting events, performances, conference and exhibitions are a significant part of our regional economy, from the high-profile, major institutions – such as the NEC Group, Symphony Hall or Aston Villa – right down to specialist supply chain firms and skilled freelancers.
“After six months in lockdown, the industry has been given just over a week’s notice that it cannot reopen as scheduled.
“The Prime Minister said the Chancellor and Culture Secretary are working on measures to support this sector and they had better be quick about it in order to save the wide range of businesses who are impacted.
“The support that was made available
The industry has been given just over a week’s notice that it cannot reopen as scheduled Paul Faulkner
for all businesses earlier this year was unprecedented and saved the livelihoods of many. However, with furlough winding down, Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans and Bounce Back loans closing in the coming months, just as tougher measures are being brought in, the Government has a lot of questions to answer on how it intends to support businesses through this next wave.
“We urge the Government to swiftly bring forward a clear plan of what the next phase of support looks like, targeted at the most impacted businesses and sectors.
“For hospitality sector businesses – many will be directly affected by the curbs on operating hours. Many more in urban centres will be impacted by a fall in footfall from commuters and office workers as those who can are once again encouraged to work from home.” Mr Faulkner also urged caution with regarding stricter penalties facing businesses who fall foul of Covid regulations.
He added: “While the announcement does of course present challenges for many businesses, we recognise the vital role that businesses must play in curbing the spread of
Covid-19. The Prime Minister repeatedly mentioned taking enforcement actions against businesses.
“Most companies we speak to have been strictly following the rules and would not be opposed to seeing more action taken against those that actively do not.
“However, it is vital that the Government and enforcement agencies distinguish between companies openly ignoring the rules and those making honest mistakes.
“In just the last two weeks, new requirements on test and trace, the rule of six, additional local measures and this week’s announcement have been brought forward. It can be hard for businesses, particularly smaller businesses operating under stretched resources, to keep track of.”