‘The Government Doesn’t Understand Events’

From M&IT: Eventprofs have had a mixed reaction to the budget, with one business owner claiming that the new government “doesn’t understand or value” the sector. EDGE Venues CEO Jacqui Kavanagh slammed the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions – and added that the move could see hospitality jobs replaced by AI. She said: “Whilst support with business rates and investment in growth are welcome, the impact of an increase in National Insurance contribution by up to 15 per cent from April 2025, is a deep blow for a meetings and events sector currently bucking the trend on growth. The hospitality sector by its very nature provides specialist services – there is a threat that personal services may have to be replaced by AI in some instances to reduce cost, dumbing down the services that we offer.