In a move designed to broaden the scope of industry representation for the UK events industry, the Business Tourism Partnership is set to change its name to the Business Visits and Events Partnership. The body hopes to announce the change formally in time for British Tourism Week on the 10 March.

The key objective of the new body will be to lead the way in supporting a competitive, high-quality and more profitable business visits and events sector in Britain. The partnership seeks to provide a cohesive industry voice and will work with VisitBritain and other government departments and agencies to influence and develop policies and practices favourable to the growth of tourism and trade from business visits and events. However, it will continue to provide a forum for members to agree key issues and to act as a central focus for lobbying and ensuring that policymakers and key influencers are better informed of the benefits of the sector.

Current priorities include the recently announced ministerial bid support programme; changes to business visas and the introduction of special event visas; ensuring the potential from the 2012 London Olympics is realised; seeking adequate government support for VisitBritain; the development of sector quality, skills and qualifications; and a reduction in the burden of taxation and regulation, including better co-ordinated National guidelines for health and safety.

“The proposed changes to the partnership reflect the widening of interests already prevalent among the leading industry bodies," said Michael Hirst, chairman of the Business Tourism Partnership. "There is growing recognition the role events play in generating big business for Britain, both as a world class destination and as an ideal medium for showcasing the best of Britain’s creative talent, products and new ideas. Events also generate substantial economic and social benefits for local communities and their economies. The new Partnership will ensure these benefits are fully exploited and acknowledged.”