9
BVEP will do ‘whatever it
takes’ to support events
industry at critical time
IR35 tax changes postponed
to help freelancers
The government has postponed the
introduction of the planned changes to the
controversial IR35 legislation, which
implements heavier tax burdens on freelancers
and the self-employed. The new rules will now
come into force on 6 April 2021, as opposed to
the same date in 2020.
Conference News wrote a letter to prime
minister Boris Johnson, 16 March, calling for
the postponement of the IR35 legislation, along
with additional emergency funding for the
events industry to help mitigate strain in the
face of Covid19. It is clear that together with the
freelance and self-employed community, that
message was heard by government.
Speaking to the House of Commons on the
evening of 17 March, chief secretary to the
Treasury Steve Barclay (pictured), said: “This is
a deferral, not a cancellation, and the
government remains committed to
reintroducing this policy.”
Following the chancellor’s announcement on the 18
March, BVEP has announced that aspects of relief and
support must be implemented specifically for the events
industry.
The chancellor stated on 18 March that the £330bn
promised is part of the ‘whatever it takes’ package.
Although the chancellor specifically referenced leisure,
hospitality, pubs and clubs, hotels and attractions, he
failed to mention events.
In response, BVEP has asked its partners to reflect on
both the language and the numbers that they are using to
support claims for assistance and recognition from the
government.
BVEP advises that the industry agrees to use ‘events’ as
the key word when discussing the industry. This aims to
ensure that in the competing landscape for attention,
using the same word for the activities the industry covers
becomes part of the core narrative.
The company also states that the UK events industry is
worth in total £70bn per annum. BVEP encourages the
industry members to use this number when discussing
the value of UK events.
BVEP revealed that events drive over 50% of the visitor
economy and therefore, is another part of the narrative
that needs recognition.
Pictured: Michael Hirst, chair, BVEP
News
The value of the
events industry is
£70bn, but more
importantly it
employs some
700,000
eventprofs
directly.
Meet the freelancers looking
for new opportunities.
Turn to page 44.
www.conference-news.co.uk