Report on vaping industry’s economic impact set to be unveiled at UKVIA conference 

The vaping industry’s first ever economic impact report, conducted by the Centre for Economics & Business Research, will be unveiled at the UKVIA’s Vaping Industry Forum and Exhibition.

The event, set to be held at the QEII Centre in Westminster, London on 9 September, will see discussions on big vaping issues of the moment including tackling rogue vape traders, preventing underage access to e-cigarettes and creating a sustainable vaping industry.

The conference, titled Vaping for a Better Future, follows the government commissioned independent review into tobacco control policies – the Khan Review – which has recommended that vaping plays a front and centre role in meeting England’s smokefree target by 2030. The UKVIA said the event will also look at how the sector can maximise its public health, economic and social impact.

“This year’s Vaping Industry Forum is set to be the biggest yet. The conference and exhibition come at a hugely exciting time for the vaping industry following the extremely positive Khan Review which has presented vaping as having a pivotal role in making smoking obsolete. It also comes ahead of the highly anticipated publication of the new Tobacco Control Plan,” John Dunne, director general of the UKVIA, said.

“Whilst vaping presents a huge public health, economic and social opportunity for the nation there are a number of challenges that the industry has to face up to. The Khan Review is placing its trust in the vaping industry to play a critical role in its harm reduction strategy and we’ve got to show that we are a highly responsible industry that can live up to the government’s high expectations.”

Speakers and panellists to date confirmed include: Mark Pawsey, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping; Adam Afriyie MP for Windsor, Vice-Chair of the APPG for Vaping; Dr Colin Mendelsohn, tobacco treatment expert and author; Damian Stevens, Business Development Manager, 1account; Mike Sawyer, Head of Product Enforcement, Office for Product Safety & Standards; David Hunt, Senior Trading Standards Officer, Hackney Council; James Lowman, Chief Executive, Association of Convenience Stores; Doug Mutter, Manufacturing & Compliance Director, VPZ; Dan Marchant. Founder and Joint Owner, Vape Club and Dr Pippa Bailey, Head of Climate Change & Sustainability Practice, IPSOS Mori

The event will also feature a major exhibition alongside the conference for vape brands and industry ancillary providers to showcase their devices, e-liquids, services and product solutions.