Andrew Harrison, CEO at Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA), explores the latest findings from its inaugural Stronger Together survey amid a mixed Autumn Budget.
Following the publication of ESSA’s first ‘Stronger Together’ survey, it’s clear that while there are some positives, UK events industry pressures still remain, with the recent Autumn Budget doing little to close the gap.
Almost half of the businesses we surveyed (46%) forecasted revenue growth in 2025, yet nearly a third (29%) expected a decline. It’s a stark reminder that while opportunities exist, pressures remain deeply felt.
The Budget’s reaffirmed lower tax rates will help many businesses, but once again, our sector – embedded in the wider business events supply chain – has been largely overlooked. The rise in the National Living Wage is welcome for workers, but it inevitably increases cost pressures on employers, especially when 49% of our members tell us their clients still underestimate the logistical reality and true cost of what they deliver.
That said, there are some positives to be found. The Budget’s youth guarantee fully funded under-25 apprenticeships and clearer training pathways give me hope for strengthening our future talent pipeline. It’s welcome news at a time when 73% of those surveyed say recruitment has been difficult this year. Two-thirds of companies are operating at full capacity, yet almost a third are not.
A shortage of skilled candidates is overwhelmingly the biggest barrier to recruitment and retention is just as tough. 87% cite work-life balance as the main issue and 60% point to the high-pressure environment, yet fewer than one-third currently offer structured wellbeing support. On sustainability, most members have plans in place, but cost remains the biggest barrier to progress.
In the face of ongoing pressures, ESSA’s mission is to help bridge these divides. We’re providing tools, best practice frameworks, and a unified voice of advocacy so that every member can strengthen their resilience, sharpen their strategy, and seize opportunity.
Visit Essa.uk.com to view the full results from the Stronger Together survey.