UK event industry Fair Pricing and Practice Charter launches

Visit London and VisitBritain, supported by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG), have today officially unveiled their London 2012 UK Event Industry Fair Pricing & Practice Charter (FPPC) for UK venues and suppliers.

“This is a massive step forward for the UK events industry,” said Visit London commercial director David Hornby. “London is the first Olympic host to attempt to create a charter like this, and LOCOG is an enthusiastic supporter of the FPPC and all it stands for.

“Right back at the bid stage, London wanted to create a vision for the games that would deliver an inspirational event and lasting legacy for the city and country. We believe the charter will be one key measure in delivering a true legacy for the events industry and has potential for other major event bids."

The FPPC, which is supported by 21 individual organisations, including government and tourism bodies, marketing consortia and industry trade associations, provides a voluntary code of practice for both UK venues and event suppliers.

Signatories to the charter undertake that their pricing for the period around the 2012 Olympic Games be both fair and reasonable, and that they will not artificially inflate prices for goods or services. In turn, charter members will be promoted to organisers seeking venues and suppliers via Visit London’s enquiry service and through Visit Britain’s network of overseas offices.

In addition, the previously announced Business Tourism Development & Communications Group, which is being headed up by David Sharpe, the Merlin Entertainments Group's divisional director for London, is close to finalising its senior industry team. The group is working on a range of initiatives designed to maximise the opportunities that the games provide, such as the FPPC, the introduction of a ‘thought leader’ group and an annual industry conference, the first of which will be held in 2009 at Earls Court during International Confex next year.

“We are in the final stages of putting together a hugely impressive team of people in the Development Group, who will help to ensure that the entire events industry, not just in London but throughout the UK, benefit directly from the 2012 Olympic Games,” said Sharpe.

Venues and suppliers are now able to sign up to the Charter, by visiting www.visitlondon.com/business/2012Charter