Industry associations are calling on you, to ask for the support this sector needs from our Government. As part of an initiative called #EventsForTheFuture, everyone in the events and entertainment industry is being encouraged to petition their local MPs for further Government support, to ensure a future for our sector.
The Association for British Theatre Technicians, the Professional Lighting and Sound Association, Production Services Association, the Society of London Theatres and UK Theatre have come together, with the support of the BVEP, to spearhead this initiative. And they are asking the industry to come together to work on this too. They are calling for long-term protection for the sector, by highlighting to the Government both the size and value of the work we do.
Bryan Raven, Managing Director of WhiteLight Ltd. who coordinated the meetings, comments, “Through collective action we believe we can get the voice of the industry heard; it has been great to see these Associations working together on a common cause.”
At this stage, the initiative is focused on asking anyone working in events or entertainment to write to their local MP. There are several sample letters available which must be customised before being sent out.
The main objectives for Government support are to:
- Immediately make it clear to local authorities that, as part of the supply chain, the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure grant is open to this industry.
- Remove the £51,000 limit depending on regional variances. Many companies are located in London or major cities and this blanket ceiling across the UK is unfair.
- Reduce the financial burden of running a business by offering other forms of recovery grants on cost of commercial rent, lease payments, insurance and business rates, tax breaks and request the banks give longer mortgage holidays to businesses in our sector. The Government needs to understand offering loans is not enough as there is no certainty.
- Allow extension of The Furlough Scheme, which has been an essential lifeline for us and all employers in our sector to retain highly skilled staff, and which should remain for companies in sectors where the recovery is in the longer term, such as the Events, Performing Arts, Entertainment Technology, TV & Film Sectors.
- Extend the term of support for self-employed subcontractors. Our sector’s workforce is made up of 72% self-employed freelancers and without the right support, we are in danger of losing our workforce to other sectors, widening an already apparent skills gap
Sample letter – employee company
Sample letter – one person limited company
Sample letter – soletrader freelancer
The Associations are also encouraging people to complete two Government surveys, the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s (DCMS) call for evidence, and the DCMS impact assessment.
The BVEP have also shared details of the campaign. Read more here.