Eastbourne events business illuminates headquarters in red

The managing director at Identity, located in Westham Business Park, has spoken out in support of the LightItInRed campaign.

Identity’s Michael Gietzen said, “The LightItInRed campaign is a warning to the government of the critical condition of this sector.

“Currently, unlike other industries, there is no set date for live events, shows, festivals and performances to restart after the coronavirus shutdown.

“The industry came together and lit up key venues across the UK and, of course, our 30,000sq ft headquarters in Eastbourne was also glowing red to draw attention to this.”

Michael said companies like his need the government to review ‘immediately’ its financial support towards the industry and longer term proposals.

Michael said, “We work in a sector that will not start to see income generation until 2021. That is a fact that will not change following the lockdown.”

The managing director has suggested initiatives for the government to consider for the immediate and longer term:

·Make it clear to local authorities that, as part of the supply chain, the retail, hospitality and leisure grant is open to the industry. Remove the £51,000 limit depending on regional variances.

·Offer other forms of recovery grants on cost of commercial rent, lease payments, insurance and business rates, tax breaks and request the banks give longer mortgage holidays to businesses in the sector.

·Allow an extension of the furlough scheme

·Extend the term of support for self-employed subcontractors.

The LightItInRed action was inspired by NightofLight in Germany, which took place on June 22.

More than 9,000 German buildings, monuments, structures, towers, landmarks, castles, offices, houses, spaces and places illuminated in the ‘emergency red’ to raise awareness and grab the attention of the public and the government.

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