First-ever Greater Manchester night-time adviser unveiled

Warehouse Project and Parklife founder Sacha Lord has been unveiled as Greater Manchester’s first-ever night-time economy adviser.

Appointed by Mayor Andy Burnham, Sacha will champion Greater Manchester’s thriving nightlife and set out bold plans to ensure people on a night out can have a safe and enjoyable time. 

He will be supported by a night-time economy panel, which will comprise experts from across Greater Manchester to develop, discuss and deliver plans to develop the city-region’s nightlife, making it stronger, safer, better-connected, and an even more attractive destination.

Sacha said: “I'm looking forward to visiting and meeting with the voices who represent Greater Manchester’s nightlife, and working closely with our councils and all other partner agencies to achieve our goals.

“I’ll be taking a look at what is missing from our night-time economy, what we need to improve on and developing what is working well. From talking and listening to key voices across Greater Manchester, I envisage a synergy emerging, which will create a list of targets that I'll be setting and announcing in the coming months.

“The night-time economy is the fifth biggest industry in the country, employing more than 8% of the UK’s workforce and here in Greater Manchester, we have always recognised its importance.

“Drawing on my 25 years’ experience in the sector, along with comments and opinions from all 10 boroughs and members of the panel, I'm looking forward to getting work and helping to build on Greater Manchester’s night-time economy.”

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester is known across the country and beyond for its thriving nightlife. By appointing a night-time economy adviser and panel, I want us to build on our strong reputation to make it even better - for residents, visitors and those who work in the sector.

“Sacha brings with him a wealth of experience. He’s a real Greater Manchester success story and I’m thrilled that he’s joining us as our first-ever night-time adviser.

“Improving the night-time economy across our city-region isn’t just about bars and clubs – it’s about ensuring our towns and cities have a diverse and appealing offer across Greater Manchester which can play to our local strengths, and improving transport links to ensure our towns and cities are better connected places that people can enjoy day and night.

“Building a better night-time across Greater Manchester also complements our plans to breathe new life into our towns through the Town Centre Challenge.”

The night-time adviser was revealed in a Facebook Live broadcast from The Clarence in Bury – an award-winning pub, restaurant and brewery which represents the very best in what Greater Manchester has to offer on a night out.

Bury is the only town in Greater Manchester with purple flag status. Purple flag towns and cities have shown that they are well-managed and offer a safe, vibrant, appealing positive experience to residents and visitors alike.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, Deputy Leader at Bury Council, said: “The recent confirmation that Bury had secured the Purple Flag award for the fourth year running was great news and well-earned recognition for all the partners. The hard work they put in helps keep Bury a great place to live, work, study and visit.  

“We’ve made great strides in Bury towards creating a vibrant and diverse night-time offer and we’re very much looking forward to working with Sacha Lord to further enhance what Bury and Greater Manchester has to offer.”