Jul 5, 20122 min read

UK Economic Impact Study underway

Research on strength of UK meetings industry to be undertaken by Leeds Metropolitan University.

During his speech at the Britain For Events conference yesterday, Micheal Hirst announced the commencement of The UK Economic Impact Study (UKEIS).

The study, which is being overseen by the MPI Foundation, will provide a coherent and precise overview of the meetings industry in the UK – its size, value and importance to the UK commercial landscape and economy.

Following the selection of Leeds Metropolitan University as the research team for the project, the MPI Foundation has confirmed that the study has been activated and research will commence over the summer of 2012, with initial findings to be announced in spring 2013.

MPI UK and Ireland chapter president and Barbican head of sales, Samme Allen: “The UKEIS will be the first study on this scale ever undertaken by the UK meetings industry. It will give us an opportunity to demonstrate the sheer size and importance of our industry to both the government and the wider business community. With this data we will be able to lobby for a greater voice in decisions that will affect us, demonstrate why we matter and why more people should listen to what we have to say.”

“To ensure the success of the study we ask that each and every organisation within the industry become involved, provide data and promote the study through every stage of its progress. This study is about all of us and it is beneficial to all of us. Ultimately, the more people who get involved the more accurate the results will be.”

A study of this scale would not be possible without the engagement of a knowledgeable and professional research organisation. Leeds Metropolitan University was selected for the task following an in-depth tender process. Didier Scaillet who is leading the project from MPI comments: “Leeds Metropolitan University offer the perfect balance of industry knowledge and credibility in research on this scale. Their professional approach to the tender and understanding of our needs clearly established them as the perfect partner for us in this groundbreaking piece of research.”

“Leeds Metropolitan University are however not the only partners vital to the success of the UKEIS. This research would not be possible without the significant investment we have received from a select group of farsighted organisations. As sponsors of the UKEIS they have made the research possible and continue to raise its profile across the industry.”

The full list of sponsors for the UKEIS is as follows:

* IHG * Reed Travel Exhibitions * Barbican * Q Hotels * London & Partners * Confex * Meetings & Incentive Travel * IMEX * ExCel * Visit Wales * Visit Scotland * Conde Nast * The Meetings Show UK * SITE * ICCA * SECC