During his speech at the Britain For Events conference in early July, Micheal Hirst announced the commencement of The U.K. Economic Impact Study (UKEIS).

The study, which is being overseen by the MPI Foundation, will provide a coherent and precise overview of the U.K. meeting industry—its size, value and importance to the U.K. commercial landscape and economy.

Following the selection of Leeds Metropolitan University as the research team for the project, the MPI Foundation has confirmed that the study has been activated and research will commence over the summer of 2012, with initial findings to be announced in spring 2013.

"The UKEIS will be the first study on this scale ever undertaken by the U.K. meetings industry," said Samme Allen, MPI U.K. and Ireland Chapter president and Barbican head of sales. "It will give us an opportunity to demonstrate the sheer size and importance of our industry to both the government and the wider business community. With this data we will be able to lobby for a greater voice in decisions that will affect us, demonstrate why we matter and why more people should listen to what we have to say.

"To ensure the success of the study, we ask that each and every organisation within the industry become involved, provide data and promote the study through every stage of its progress," she continued. "This study is about all of us, and it is beneficial to all of us. Ultimately, the more people who get involved the more accurate the results will be."

A study of this scale would not be possible without the engagement of a knowledgeable and professional research organisation. Leeds Metropolitan University was selected for the task following an in-depth tender process. 

"Leeds Metropolitan University offer the perfect balance of industry knowledge and credibility in research on this scale," said Didier Scaillet, chief development officer for MPI and the MPI Foundation. "Their professional approach to the tender and understanding of our needs clearly established them as the perfect partner for us in this groundbreaking piece of research.

"Leeds Metropolitan University are however not the only partners vital to the success of the UKEIS," he continued. "This research would not be possible without the significant investment we have received from a select group of farsighted organisations. As sponsors of the UKEIS they have made the research possible and continue to raise its profile across the industry."

The full list of sponsors for the UKEIS is:

IHG
Reed Travel Exhibitions
Barbican
Q Hotels
London & Partners
Confex
Meetings & Incentive Travel
IMEX
ExCel
Visit Wales
Visit Scotland
Conde Nast
The Meetings Show UK
SITE
ICCA
SECC

A full timeline of the research, including initial findings and final results will be announced in the near future.