EDGE Venues

This Monday’s Insights (September 26) feature brings you the BVEP’s Strategic Plan of Work, the Meetings Industry Association (mia)’s response to government businesses’ energy bill price cap, and more.

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Nigel Huddleston is leaving his ministerial post as tourism minister to move to the Whips Office.

Following his departure from the role, Simon Richards, treasurer of beam (the association for business events, accommodation and meetings), told Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine: “We all urgently need to educate Nigel Huddleston’s replacement as the minister responsible for our industry about the specific needs of the sector and ensure that business events is high on his or her agenda, not well down below sport and other events.

“This makes the need for all business events sector companies to join the BVEP campaign and register under one of three SIC Codes, particularly 82302, even more urgent so that the minister and the Government have the data to recognise the sector’s issues more clearly.”

The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has responded to the government’s announcement that businesses’ energy bills will receive a six-month price cap.

Kerrin MacPhie, mia chief executive, said: “The package of support will provide much-need reassurance to those operating within the business meetings and events sector, however for a limited time only.

“With energy prices fixed for six months, operators can at least now begin to forecast costs and subsequent pricing more effectively, while also being protected from soaring and simply unsustainable cost increases.”

“It is vital that these support packages are evaluated by government on an ongoing basis, and that government recognise sectors outside of the Standard Industrial Classification when determining sector-specific levels of support. We know from the results of our recent survey of 129 industry organisations, which featured questions on the cost-of-living crisis, that the rising energy costs are of huge concern to the sector.

“Operating within a highly competitive, price-sensitive market, many have conceded to heavily reduced profits that reflect a further setback to recovery plans, so these cost-savings will prove influential in the short-term as we continue to witness the green shoots of recovery.”

The Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP) has published its Strategic Plan of Work for the coming year, as the organisation continues to engage with the new government on behalf of the UK events industry.

As ‘the collective voice of the UK’s world leading events sector’, BVEP’s plan takes priority objectives from its five sector-specific Working Groups. The groups include Advocacy & Government Relations, Business Events, Outdoor Events, Skills, Talent & Diversity and Research & Business Intelligence. These objectives cover a wide range of subjects, such as raising the industry’s profile to government departments, developing a plan to adopt the new sector-specific SIC/SOC codes and promoting the outdoor sector to re-establish a more competitive supply chain.

“This plan not just sets out our goals for the year ahead, but also makes clear our commitment to represent the entire UK events economy as it continues to face its many challenges. We are also looking to the future, to ensure that the BVEP has the right structure, resources and voice to serve the industry as effectively as possible.”

Chris Skeith OBE, BVEP Chair

As part of its government relations and advocacy activity, the BVEP is liaising with the new government on how the events sector can support the delivery of its priorities of growth and levelling up. It highlights the contribution business events make to inward investment, trade, innovation and exports and how cultural events enhance local communities’ social prosperity and wellbeing.

The Strategic Plan is available for download here from the BVEP website.

CHS Birmingham returns for its second outing this autumn with a focus on personal and professional growth. The show, which is fast becoming a celebration of Birmingham’s business events scene, is enjoying the legacy of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and the global attention on the destination.

The show will also return to the ICC Birmingham, one of its founding partners, as well as enjoy the support of The Birmingham and West Midlands Convention Bureau. Now, with the meetings and events industry continuing to return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, and the opportunity of a Commonwealth Games legacy in the region, CHS Birmingham is looking to encourage both professional and personal growth for every delegate and exhibitor at the show.

“We’re putting together an educational programme which is tailor made to the individual. Our research shows that the biggest demand from delegates is either to look at ways to enhance their own careers, or look at developing themselves as people,” commented Emma Cartmell, CEO & Founder, CHS Birmingham. 

“There has been a lot of talk around how the industry Is performing right now, for us though, it’s now about supporting individual event professionals. Donna Cunningham, Sales Director for Conventions, NEC Group, commented, “CHS returning to Birmingham is an exciting opportunity for the attending hosted buyers to meet with teams from a range of destinations and venues at the ICC to do business. The educational programme is packed with inspiring speakers, presenting a great developmental opportunity for us to discuss key topics, share ideas and learn from each other as we bounce back from the pandemic.”

Outside of the educational programmes, CHS Birmingham will be introducing new venues and suppliers, as well as our existing clients, so that when delegates are not in meetings, they can take time to focus on cementing relationships with key destinations, venues, and event suppliers.

“It is fantastic to welcome back CHS Birmingham to the city’s event calendar, after an unforgettable first show last autumn,” commented Steve Knight, Senior Business Tourism Manager, Birmingham and the West Midlands Convention Bureau. 

“The West Midlands is buzzing after hosting the most successful UK-based Commonwealth Games during the summer, with our hospitality and event venues providing a brilliant backdrop for 1.5 million ticket holders, and more than five million people who visited Birmingham city centre during the Games fortnight.

“We look forward to joining forces with partners across our business events sector to once again show delegates why Birmingham and the wider region should be top of their list when hosting their next event.”

CHS Birmingham will also be evolving its brand to take on some of the flavours of the city over the summer, and to bring it even closer to global ‘brand Birmingham’. The show takes place 1 st November 2022 at the ICC Birmingham.

This Monday’s Insights (September 12) feature brings you the Government guidance on National Mourning – applicable to the event industry following the loss of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

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The Government has issued ‘Guidance for the public and businesses on the period of National Mourning following the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.’

A period of National Mourning for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II began in the day of her passing. It will continue until the end of the day of the State Funeral, which takes place on Monday, September 19. The day of the funeral is also now set to be a Bank Holiday.

The Royal Family will undertake a separate period of Royal Mourning, subject to the wishes of The King. 

The guidance on National Mourning states that organisations are under no obligation to suspend business during this period, but does state:

‘Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral. However, this is at the discretion of individual businesses. Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability. Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed.’

We’ve pulled the following sections from the guidance, which seem most relevant to our industry:

Travel Information 

Throughout the period of National Mourning, particularly on days with ceremonial events and in the build up to the State Funeral, public transport in key locations will be very busy. Journeys may take longer than usual. Further information will be announced by network operators. Please check your journey before you travel to ensure all services are running as expected. 

Commemorative Events

Many community organisations, including places of worship, Local Authorities and charities, will arrange events commemorating the life and service of Her Majesty. This may include holding services of reflection (or similar), and opportunities for those with no religious beliefs to pay their respects. Local Authorities will support the coordination of local events so please check with them or your local place of worship for further details. 

Major Events, Entertainment, and Sports

There is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period. 

This is at the discretion of individual organisations. As a mark of respect, organisations might wish to consider cancelling or postponing events or closing venues on the day of the State Funeral. They are under no obligation to do so and this is entirely at the discretion of individual organisations. 

If sporting fixtures or events are due to take place the day of the State Funeral, organisations may want to adjust event timings. This would be to avoid clashing with the service and associated processions. 

In keeping with the tone of National Mourning, organisers may wish to hold a period of silence. And/or, they may wish to play the National Anthem at the start of events or sporting fixtures. Players may wish to wear black armbands. 

Public museums and galleries

Public museums, galleries or similar venues are under no obligation to close during the National Mourning period. Organisations may choose to close on the day of the State Funeral. However there is no obligation to do so and this is at the discretion of individual organisations. As with other organisations, these institutions may wish to display or share images of previous Royal visits, particularly if they are one of Her Majesty’s patronages.

Read the full guidance here, covering further areas including Books of Condolence, Floral Tributes, and more.

Despite the headlines and a recession potentially looming, there is good news ahead as we see a continued rise in meeting space enquiries. At EDGE Venues, we’re on track to double our venue searches for Q3, with early analysis showing that we’ve already exceeded that of Q2.

And with August notoriously one of the quieter months of the year, we’re full of confidence as enquiries are up on those recorded in July and June. Moreover, we have high expectations for September and the latter part of this year.

The recent rail chaos has highlighted the opportunities for regional locations regarding demand and pricing strategy. Regions outside the bigger cities have certainly benefited as we’ve seen an increase in enquiries into these areas, delivering great options for meetings and events.

Plus, staycations and large events such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are also impacting larger cities, offering a mixture of pricing strategies and no set trends. Now is the time for venues to be clear on their pricing strategies, to entice bookers to make enquiries with clear and concise messaging.

For smaller events/meetings, enquiries are high for Q3 and Q4 this year, and looking ahead, we expect that to extend into 2023, creating big opportunities for venues over and above the large event enquiries we’re seeing for next year.

This Monday’s Insights (22nd August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including levelling up to redress economic imbalance, industry ageism, and group travel’s road to recovery.

Headlines

Levelling up on economic imbalance

Levelling up is a much-needed government strategy to redress the economic imbalance between London and the rest of the country, explains Liz Taylor, managing director of the northern-based Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC).

Liz spoke to M&IT about how she welcomes any inward-investment to the Manchester region, and believes the Government needs to focus on its original plans for HS2. 

“Improved transport links will not only make it easier to do business in the city and between cities in the region, but coaxing large-scale conferences, meetings and trade shows, a huge revenue driver in the events sector will be a much easier sell with improved transport infrastructure. My focus is very much on live events and always has been.”

Read the full levelling up opinion article here. 

Ageism in events?

“It’s not even unconscious bias, it’s blatant bias.” Event industry recruiter, Robert Kenward, has shared his views on ageism in a new blog on Conference News.

The feature encourages agencies to hire eventprofs over 50, reminding readers that age inclusivity is a vital part of DEI.

“But no-one talks about it, there is no scholarship or initiative to encourage the over 50s into our industry. An employer would never say that they are looking for a white person, or a woman for a role, but it’s very common for agencies to specify the age bracket of the new recruit that they need.”

Read it here.

IMEX America clears the path

IMEX America, returning to Las Vegas October 10 – 13, is set to address the new needs of the industry head on. The four-day event is designed to deliver a tailored, targeted and enjoyable business experience. 

The business climate is defined by inflationary pressures, supply chain issues and talent shortages. So IMEX America is designed to guide attendees to the people, products and learnings that best fit their specific needs. Just two months after registration opened, over 3,000 global buyers have so far confirmed their participation. 

Likewise, there has been strong demand from suppliers from an early stage. International exhibitors returning to the show in force. The list includes all the major hotel groups.

The event’s free learning programme has been simplified for attendees, too. Under the theme ‘Pathways to Clarity’, the IMEX team has streamlined the number of education tracks from 10 to four. Attendees will find: Respect for People and Planet; Future Self; Innovation and Creativity; Event Planner Toolkit. And a global roster of speakers will offer fresh thinking on today’s challenges.

Find out more at imexexhibitions.com

Group travel on the road to recovery

Group travel is on the road to recovery, with live expos, in-person conferences, and incentive trips back on the cards. But there is a marked difference in the post-pandemic travel experience and the attitudes of those on board.

Read the views of Air Partner head of charter, Clive Chalmers on mitmagazine.co.uk.

Double Take

Should venues be more flexible during travel strikes?

Martin Fullard, editorial director, Conference News, says venues should have demonstrated greater flexibility during the rail strikes.

What do you think about the way venues have approached cancellation terms during this latest challenge for eventprofs? 

Check out his piece from earlier this month.

This Monday’s Insights (15th August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including increase in industry-wide prices in 2023, potential city hosts announced for 2023 Eurovision and 480,000 plastic bottles saved at Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

Headlines

Business travellers to see industry-wide fare rises in 2023

According to the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast, global travel prices are predicted to continue to increase in Q3 and Q4 of 2022 and throughout 2023.

Published by CWT and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), the forecast covers the drivers behind the increasing prices.

The report suggests this is due to rising fuel prices, labour shortages, and inflationary pressures in raw material costs.

What does this mean for meetings and events?

Prices have increased in all regions across most categories of spend, fuelled by pent-up demand. The cost-per-attendee for meetings and events in 2022 is expected to be around 25% higher than in 2019 and is forecast to rise a further 7% in 2023.

Corporate events are also now competing with other types of events that were cancelled in 2020. With many companies having given up office space during the pandemic in favour of remote working, they are now booking meeting spaces when staff gather in person.

Read more via Conference News here.

UK hotel rates reached record levels during the second quarter, due to rising demand and inflationary cost pressures.

A report byBNP Paribas Real Estate found that the UK’s average hotel occupancy rate rose to 80 per cent in Q2, up from 70 per cent in the first quarter of the year.

Further insight available via Business Travel News Europe.

Eurovision song contest 2023: seven UK cities named as potential hosts

Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield have been named as potential hosts of the 2023 Eurovision song contest when it is held in the UK for the first time in 25 years.

All great cities, but where do you think it should be held? Share your thoughts on our LinkedIn post.

Double Take

480,000 plastic bottles saved by Severn Trent at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games

Severn Trent has announced that around 480,000 reusable water bottles were filled over the 11 days of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, having run refill stations at every Games venue.

Spectators, Games volunteers and emergency services staff were kept hydrated during the Games as the water company looked to tackle single-use plastic waste.

Counters installed on the water refill stations kept track of the number of plastic bottles saved, with the initiative helping to save people money on their memorable days out as they took in the excitement of each event.

As Official Nature and Carbon Neutral Partner of Birmingham 2022, Severn Trent had 248 taps in operation across the 41 water refill stations, with more than 800 volunteers from the company on hand to help and answer any questions spectators may have.

This Monday’s Insights (8th August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including mia chief exec Kerrin MacPhie’s views on the rising rate of event evolution.

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Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the Meetings Industry Association (mia), has shared her views with Conference News on the rising rate of event evolution.

In a new blog last week, Kerrin explained: “When it comes to the evolution of events, no period has been more prominent than the last 30 months. Whether due to external forces shaking up the sector’s framework or disrupted capabilities inspiring innovation, our infamously fast-paced sector has shifted up a new gear to truly push the boundaries. Now is not the time for the sector to rest on its laurels. Events are still evolving today, at a pace faster than ever before.”

The blog covers Kerrin’s views on everything from the Metaverse, net zero and hybrid event solutions to recruitment and demonstrating the industry’s strength through data.

Check it out here.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO, EDGE Venues has shared her latest opinion piece, focusing on the industry’s readiness for recession.

Read it here!

The IMEX Group is set to remodel the professional learning programmes delivered at both of its global trade shows with the appointment of Tahira Endean as Head of Programme.

Vancouver-based Tahira’s new role signals a new era for IMEX. A three-year education strategy will capitalise on IMEX’s free-to-attend programming to meet the industry’s thirst for knowledge and continuous development while embracing a growth mindset.

The IMEX education programme was envisioned and developed in 2005 by Dale Hudson, Knowledge and Events Director. It has grown in size and quality over the last 15 years, adding substantial value to the visitor experience. Tahira’s addition to the team will build on that legacy. She’ll work with both the IMEX Marcomms and Knowledge and Education teams to design learning programmes that enrich the show’s value proposition and deliver measurable business benefits.

Tahira explains: “We’re focused on designing learning with buyer requirements in mind first and foremost as we want them to have meetings that are enhanced by education at the show. Our combined aim is for attendees to leave each session with tangible takeaways that also support their meetings onsite. IMEX’s legacy of tailored education that meets the particular needs of agencies, associations and corporate event professionals has always been strong; we’re looking to build on that too.”

“As a veteran of the MICE industry and self-confessed event nerd, I recognise IMEX as the professional home for our global industry. The opportunity to provide knowledge that helps us all develop and grow through turbulent times is important and to do it with a team as committed, passionate and talented as IMEX is really exciting.”

The West Midlands has outlined its ambitions to bring more international sporting events to the region. According to Access All Areas, over 250 delegates from governing bodies, global associations and professional sporting organisations came together for a sports economy day at the University of Birmingham’s Exchange building.

Officials from federations including World Athletics, the International Boxing Association and the International Extreme Sports Festival heard from speakers including Commonwealth Games minister Nigel Huddleston MP (pictured), leader of Birmingham City Council Ian Ward and Trudy Lindsdale, CEO of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Themes at the day included:

• Building sustainable sporting facilities
• Innovative fan engagement
• Sports events legacy
• Strengthening and enduring international relationships

Read more on Access All Areas, including details of the The West Midlands Major Events Delivery Plan, led by the Business and Tourism Programme, (BATP).

IACC’s latest Meeting Room of the Future barometer is a mixed bag of positivity and caution as the international meeting venue recovery continues. According to Meetings and Incentive Travel, Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC said: 

“The start of 2022 has shown some excellent progress in recovery however, there are still some key areas where venues need support, particularly in staffing. IACC will support its members and community over the next year, by providing important personal and professional development opportunities as the industry continues to repair the skills and knowledge shortfall that exist.”

Read the full M&IT feature here, which includes a link to the full report from the IACC.

Double Take

In a new episode of the Event Industry News Podcast, Dawn Lauder – head of international conferences at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) – digs into her learnings from COP26.

Dawn talks host James Dickson through the ‘corona-coaster’, the prestige of hosting COP26 despite the tension wrought by Covid-19 in the run-up, the sense of team it fostered, the “off the charts” media coverage, maintaining that sense of purpose, why it’s worth reading the subsequent Sustainability Report, how hosting the summit has influenced Dawn Lauder’s manifesto for change and much more.

https://www.eventindustrynews.com/news/podcast-scottish-event-campus-net-zero-by-2030

This Monday’s Insights (1st August) feature brings you a selection of recent industry headlines, including a focus on Birmingham.

Headlines

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO, EDGE Venues has shared her latest opinion piece, focusing on Birmingham Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. 

Read how the Alexander Stadium came to life to put the UK, specifically Birmingham, on the map for delivering world-class events.

And speaking of Birmingham, ABPCO Excellence Awards is heading to the city’s ICC. 

The 2022 event will take place on 9th December 2022 at Birmingham ICC, supported by the West Midlands Growth Company.

After a summer hosting sporting excellence at the Commonwealth Games, Birmingham will be the perfect location to celebrate excellence amongst ABPCO members and the wider association and not-for-profit industry.

2022 marks the ninth ABPCO Excellence Awards, which take place in different destinations across the UK each year.

This year’s awards will see an increase in categories as well as an opportunity for non-members to enter the awards for the first time.

The Awards, which will take place over lunch on 9th December, will be preceded by educational sessions in the morning as well as an evening networking event on 8th December. Association Director, Heather Lishman comments:

“Birmingham is a fantastic location for our awards, particularly so soon after its hosting of the Commonwealth Games.

We are grateful to the ICC team as well as the West Midlands Growth Company for their support and sponsorship of the event, which will showcase all the city has to offer. Located in the heart of the UK, Birmingham is accessible to all our members and we look forward to welcoming them as well as non-members for our annual celebration of success this December.”

The West End’s first new large-scale theatre in 50 years is opening this autumn.

According to eventindustrynews.com, @sohoplace is on the first newly-named street created in Soho for 72 years, also called Soho Place, and is part of a £300m regeneration project in the area which will see offices, retail space and a new piazza built.

The venue will feature a 602-seat auditorium, rehearsal room, actors’ Green Room, bar, restaurant and a terrace.

Read more about @sohoplace and its curved auditorium, which can be transformed into various other configurations.

Double Take

The Business of Events has published the first of its market sector reports. Conference News told readers that The Business of Events is a cross-sector not-for-profit series of events and reports, designed to raise the importance and profile of business events in the UK, as an economic, policy and societal driver.

Respondents in the international buyer community were asked what areas they consider important when selecting a destination or major venue in a post-pandemic environment. The questions focused on areas ranging from accessibility and ease of travel to venue quality and suitability.

Read more about the report, including a downloadable link on Conference News. 

This Monday’s Insights (July 25th) feature brings you the industry headlines you may have missed from the last week.

Headlines

Tourism boards in England are to undergo a £4m radical restructuring as the Government aims to make it easier for planners to discover the country’s destinations.

According to a feature on M&IT, the Government wants a “simpler structure where tourism boards, otherwise known as destination management organisations (DMOs), are a one-stop shop for visitors to find all they need to know about a local area.”

The £4 million will fund a pilot – in one region – of a new accreditation scheme to highlight the best DMOs, which will be renamed Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs).

The funding will also be used to create a pilot in one region of the country, giving one top-tier DMO or a group of local DMOs the opportunity and investment to restructure under a new model, to show the best their region has to offer.

The changes follow last year’s independent review into DMOs, carried out by the chair of VisitEngland’s advisory board Nick de Bois. The review found the DMO landscape to be overly complex, making it confusing for tourists planning breaks and businesses looking to invest. 

De Bois recommended a tiering model for DMOs, including multi-year core funding. Tourism minister Nigel Huddleston said:

“Whilst I realise it will be disappointing that we aren’t rolling out the de Bois funding proposals nationwide at this point, we also need to be as confident as we can be that public sector investment will be value for money.

“De Bois highlights that there are gaps in information on existing DMO performance and the evidence that has been collected suggests the DMO structures in some parts of England are not currently mature enough to take on significant public funds. Furthermore, we need more robust evidence that state funding of Destination Development Partnerships drives up private sector investment and growth.

“My hope is that our pilot will serve as a proof of concept which, when combined with the rollout of the accreditation system, will give us the information we need to proceed with confidence at a national level.”

Read the full feature here, and view the full Government response to the De Bois review here.

Jacqui Kavanagh, CEO, EDGE Venues has asked ‘The Race for Number 10 – what does it mean for our industry?’ in her latest opinion post.

Read it in full, here.

As enquiries for hybrid events decrease, venues across Coventry and Warwickshire have seen a return to in-person meetings, conferences and exhibitions. 

Conference Coventry and Warwickshire, the region’s convention bureau, surveyed venues from across the region, including Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry Conferences, Warwick Conferences, British Motor Museum, Telegraph Hotel, Eliot Park Innovation Centre and IXL Events Centre. 

One venue, in particular, reported that 75% of enquiries favour face-to-face over hybrid events.

Toby Batchelor, head of commerce, British Motor Museum, said: “Hybrid is still an element of conference and exhibition delivery, but I think it is now being used more as an extension for organisers rather than the focus.”

Paul Jones, managing director, Conference Coventry and Warwickshire, commented: “There has been a huge desire from people to get back to face-to-face events and the inevitable impact of that has been a reduction in enquiries for hybrid events.

“The return to face-to-face events is fantastic for our visitor economy and we have a varied portfolio of venues for event organisers to choose from in Coventry and Warwickshire.”

Read more on the findings here. 

The Independent Print Industries Association (IPIA) will tackle sustainability at its Autumn Conference on September 1 at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC).

The event’s theme is ‘Print in Balance – Supporting People and our Planet’ and will tackle wellbeing at work alongside environmental sustainability.

According to IPIA, proposed government legislation, cultural changes, and corporate social responsibility shift will impact the UK print industry. Find out those impacts and what solutions the conference will bring on Conference News.

Andrew Harrison, director of the Event Services and Suppliers Association (ESSA), asks, what does ‘industry standard’ really mean, why do we need standards, and how can we uphold them, especially when the going gets tough?

In an opinion piece for M&IT, Harrison examines why standards matter, especially when under pressure. And with the events industry being so busy, the current shorter lead times and staffing issues, there has never been a more appropriate time to discuss the topic.

Check it out here.

Double Take

ICC Wales has hosted a Protect Duty Roundtable to highlight the role venues and event organisers play in ensuring they are as safe and secure as possible for attendees.

Following ICC Wales’ Protect Duty Report, the roundtable aimed to strengthen the events sector’s response to forthcoming legislation.

The new legislation, also known as Martyn’s Law, will formalize the responsibilities and actions that publicly accessible places must take to mitigate the risk of a terrorist attack.

Heather Lishman, executive director of the Association of British Professional Conference Organizers (ABPCO), said the discussions helped ease some of the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the new legislation. She continued:

“Protect Duty can sound quite formal and scary, but ultimately protecting someone should be seen as a very positive message – it’s a caring cause, keeping people safe from harm. If we as all stakeholders work together and work out the potential harms together, hopefully we can mitigate the risk as a team effort. ”

Read the full story here.