8 Association View
KEEPING UP WITH THE MARKET
beam members talk about the challenges and solutions for navigating the new business landscape
he challenges for agencies in the business events , accommodation and meetings industry are highly demanding . In the past few years , with the support of beam , the focus for members has been on recouping the heavy financial losses caused by the pandemic and creating strong , future-fit businesses . While recovery is well underway , the cost-of-living crisis and a changed business landscape , is presenting new hurdles .
Solving the talent crisis As one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic , the events industry lost a vast number of people and with them talent , expertise , and knowledge . “ It ’ s now taking time to train people up to get the industry back to where it was ,” says Julie Shorrock , vice chair and membership director of beam , and managing director of HTS .
“ Finding good new staff is harder , although not impossible ,” says Paul Martin , managing director of Parallel Blue Group . “ Wage demands have understandably increased , but this has to be sustainable for businesses .”
Recruiting good quality short-term staff is also an issue . A longer-term worry is the perception of the sector for career progression .
These challenges have led some agencies to look beyond the UK employment market and outsource basic admin functions . Others have expanded their employee benefits ; created apprenticeships , graduate and training schemes , and increased their involvement with colleges and schools .
Carla Garman , director of Abstract Events , is leading beam ’ s training and development action group in her role as a board director for the association . The group is working on several initiatives , including a recruitment toolbox , commercial agreements with recruitment organisations and discounts with training and development providers .
Balancing finances While recruitment is a major issue , the big challenges centre around finance , says Ian Brown , marketing director of beam and venues and events director of vbx . “ Venues are reluctant to offer credit , regardless of credit index . When working on last-minute events , this can be a challenge for clients who struggle to get money moving fast enough .”
Jacqui Kavanagh , CEO of Trinity Event Solutions , adds : “ Our model means that our costs are front-loaded due to commission being paid post-event . Everyone wants to hold onto their cash . Payments from venues are being pushed out to 60 and 90 days .” To www . conference-news . co . uk