Eastbourne business calls for more help for the events sector hit hard by Covid-19

Identity, an events agency based in Westham, says the lack of clarity over a return of live events is having a ‘devastating’ impact on businesses.

Managing director Michael Gietzen said, “Our sector has been one of the hardest hit.

“The lack of clear strategy for a return of live events is having a devastating impact on businesses, leaving many unable to plan or forecast.

“Despite contributing £70bn to the economy in 2019 alone, our sector is one of only five yet to reopen following the March lockdown.

“While there has been a lot of discussion of the impact on the sports industry, it is worrying that the events industry is seemingly being overlooked.

“Identity circumvented a lot of devastation with a dramatic repositioning and expansion during the pandemic. But the industry at large, that employs 600,000 people, is made up of many areas, from agencies like us to freelancers, many of whom are struggling.

“Further financial help would be great but what we really want is to be permitted to do what we do best - deliver events that are properly and professionally organised, with rigorous safety measures in place. There are so many ways that events can run, within Covid restrictions. We need to be allowed to demonstrate this.”

Identity employs more than 100 people and called for the events industry to be allowed to ‘unlock’ and deliver Covid-secure events.

The business was visited recently by local MPs Caroline Ansell and Huw Merriman.

Mr Merriman said, “I completely agree with Michael. Ultimately, we’ve got to let businesses follow their own regulations. 
“They know what is good for their clients and I will be writing to the Chancellor about this.”