Written evidence submitted by Manchester Central
1. Manchester Central is one of the UK’s leading conference and event venues, welcoming nearly 500,000 visitors each year and contributing approximately £130 million in economic impact.
2. The major events industry makes a significant contribution to economic growth, inward investment, tourism, and international profile. However, it faces common challenges relating to global competition, sustainability, infrastructure, and workforce development.
3. Business events, alongside cultural and sporting events, offer substantial opportunities to support the UK’s strategic ambitions, particularly at a regional level.
4. The sector would benefit from more consistent recognition within government policy, a stronger and more coordinated partnership approach across the UK, and targeted mechanisms to support long-term growth.
5. Recommendations include: establishing a dedicated government contact point for the sector, introducing funding mechanisms comparable to UK Sport’s, simplifying visa processes, and recognising the specific needs of business events within national growth strategies.
6. Located in the heart of Manchester, Manchester Central offers over 23,000m² of flexible space and hosts events with capacities of over 10,000 delegates.
7. The venue is integral to Greater Manchester’s economy and its communities, hosting conferences, exhibitions, political party conferences, sporting competitions, and international trade shows.
8. Manchester Central works closely with regional partners across business, tourism, transport, and hospitality, contributing to the city’s global reputation as a hub for investment and innovation.
9. Awareness of the sector’s role in driving economic growth and inward investment could be strengthened across government.
10. International competition remains significant, with many destinations benefiting from structured subvention funding and government-backed support.
11. Sustainability pressures continue to grow, with the need for events to align with carbon reduction targets.
12. Workforce development is essential; the industry requires a strong, diverse pipeline of talent supported by clear career pathways.
13. Manchester’s rapid growth is a considerable strength, but requires coordinated planning between venues, local authorities, and infrastructure bodies to ensure transport and accessibility keep pace.
14. Rising costs of rail travel and variable reliability present challenges for attracting events outside London.
15. Delivering a seamless delegate and organiser experience depends on effective collaboration across regional partners, including transport, accommodation, and hospitality providers.
16. Positioning events as key levers of regional growth, aligned with sectoral priorities and industrial clusters.
17. Expanding ambassador programmes to strengthen bids and using influential voices to champion the UK as an events destination.
18. Leveraging stronger partnerships with tourism, cultural, and hospitality sectors to extend visitor stays and economic impact.
19. Developing a coordinated approach to capturing and communicating sector data to demonstrate value and long-term contribution.
20. More consistent recognition of the events sector in national policy discussions.
21. Standardised frameworks for sustainability and impact reporting.
22. Enhanced region-wide collaboration on infrastructure and delegate experience.
23. Streamlined visa and entry processes, with clear communication of new requirements such as the UK ETA.
24. Strengthening regional collaboration between venues, organisers, and business leaders to align with inward investment objectives.
25. Building a “Team UK” approach to international bids, ensuring that benefits are distributed beyond London to Tier 2 cities competing globally.
26. Encouraging stronger engagement between organisers and local communities to highlight both social and economic legacies of events.
27. Manchester Central engages with Manchester City Council (as shareholder), Greater Manchester Combined Authority, VisitBritain/VisitEngland, Transport for Greater Manchester, and the APPG for Events. Engagement also occurs with DCMS through Business Visits and Events channels.
28. Localised engagement is positive and continues to develop.
29. Dialogue at national level has been constructive, and there are opportunities for greater consistency and clarity in engagement structures.
30. Establish a central government contact point dedicated to major events.
31. Recognise the differing needs of business, cultural, and sporting events, ensuring tailored approaches to support.
32. Introduce a funding mechanism similar to UK Sport’s to support business events.
33. Provide stronger advocacy for business events in national strategies.
34. Ensure long-term commitments to infrastructure and skills investment to sustain future growth.
35. There is scope for greater alignment between major events strategies and regional economic development priorities, ensuring events deliver maximum long-term benefit.
36. Scotland has developed a national business events strategy, providing a coordinated framework for growth.
37. Ireland has recently launched a similar strategy to enhance its international competitiveness.
38. In France, national government has formalised collaboration through a five-year contract with local authorities and industry partners, streamlining delivery and maximising impact.
39. Forthcoming security legislation (e.g. Protect Duty/Martyn’s Law) will require additional investment in training, staffing, and equipment.
40. Visa and employment changes following Brexit have increased challenges for international staffing and delegate access.
41. Introduction of the ETA could reduce attractiveness for some cost-sensitive events.
42. Changes to taxation and National Insurance are difficult to accommodate due to the long-term nature of event contracting.
43. Simplification of visa and entry processes for delegates.
44. Clear, standardised guidance on security and resilience requirements.
45. Recognition of events within the UK’s industrial strategy, including access to skills, training, and grant funding.
46. Consideration of a VAT exemption on room hire for non-UK organisers of major events.
47. Continuation of business rate reliefs for eligible venues.
48. Manchester Central strongly supports the UK’s ambition to remain a world-leading events destination.
49. The major events sector has a proven record of driving inward investment, economic impact, and international reputation.
50. With a more consistent policy framework, stronger partnerships, and recognition of the distinct needs of business events, the sector can play an even greater role in supporting the UK’s future growth and prosperity.