The downturn in the UK’s economy over the past few years has led to companies shedding staff, with the knock-on effect that PAs have had to assume new duties and chief among these is corporate event planning. In fact, an overwhelming 96% of office professionals now have responsibility for planning their companies’ functions, according to a survey by Late Night London, the UK’s largest privately owned venue operator.
The poll of 1,500 PAs and EAs also found that just under half of respondents (44%) have witnessed a reduction in their events budget over the past five years as a result of cost-cutting measures.
However, the research shows that a resounding majority (68%) believe both internal and external corporate events remain a priority in terms of their company marketing strategy. The amount of spending on events varies considerably, with most of those surveyed having a budget of £50,000 or less, while 16% manage one in excess of £90,000.
With the UK events industry estimated to be worth more than £48 billion by 2020, it seems that event planning will become a key asset for those PAs looking to add to their skills set.
