At Excel London, it has very much been business as usual since the result of the Referendum. In the short-term, the weaker pound has been positive for our international clients, a number of whom have called us to arrange early payments for their events in order to take advantage of the preferential exchange rate.
Whilst we do not yet know what sort of deal the UK will secure from the EU, we have been pleased at how both the Mayor of London and the UK Government have responded to the vote and moved quickly to reinforce a message that the UK remains open for business.
The creation of new ministry dedicated to international trade is a welcome sign that the Government remains internationally focused and that can only be a good thing for the meetings and events market.
The referendum vote seems to have rekindled international interest in the UK which, allied to the current exchange rate, may translate into increases in both tourist numbers and inbound events business. A renewed need for the UK to showcase its talent, creativity and innovation is also likely to drive growth in the domestic events market.
London always has and always will be a great place to live, work and do business. Even outside of the EU, The Capital’s advantages as a world city - its time zone, access to cutting edge technology and innovation, a competitive business environment, transport connectivity, its economic dynamism, its strength in financial services, the availability of a highly skilled workforce, and its innate entrepreneurial spirit – will ensure that the capital will not just survive but thrive in the global economy.
Excel London looks forward to being at the forefront of London’s post-EU success story and to continue hosting world-leading events. I look forward to welcoming you to Excel London soon.
