Identity took the opportunity of a surprise visit by two MPs to voice the concerns of the entire events sector.

Identity employs in excess of 100 people and called for the events industry to be allowed to ‘unlock’ and deliver COVID-19 secure events.

“Our sector has been one of the hardest hit,” said Identity Managing Director, Michael Gietzen. “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. This contrasts with other European countries, that have prioritised the events industry in their economic recovery plans. 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 MD Michael Gietzen and Huw Merriman, MP at Identity HQ
Identity Operations Director Paul Fitzpatrick with Caronline Ansell, MP at Identity HQ

“Identity circumvented a lot of devastation with a dramatic repositioning and expansion during the pandemic,” Michael added. “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-19 restrictions. We need to be allowed to demonstrate this.”

MPs Caroline Ansell and Huw Merriman were visiting local businesses to gauge the impact of the pandemic upon the South East.

“I completely agree with Michael,” said Huw. “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.”

Identity is a leading events agency, delivering hundreds of events per year. It scooped a Queen’s Award for International Trade earlier in 2020 and ranked in the latest Sunday Times Top 100 Fast Track companies. Identity works with blue chip clients, global brands and governments from around the world delivering exceptional live, virtual and hybrid events.