Panel to support Greater Manchester’s night-time economy adviser unveiled

The panel of experts will develop, discuss and deliver plans to improve the city-region’s nightlife, making it stronger, safer, better-connected and an even more attractive destination.

Following Sacha’s appointment last month, he has been tasked with advising the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) on all issues relating to the night-time economy, providing a voice for workers, operators and the industry as a whole.

Representatives from the LGBT Foundation, Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Live Nation and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are just a handful of the panellists that will work towards ensuring Greater Manchester has a world leading night-time offer for people who live, work and visit the city-region.

Greater Manchester’s night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, said: “I’m delighted to reveal the panel of experts I have enlisted to work alongside me in championing and improving Greater Manchester’s thriving nightlife. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge in the night-time economy and will support the Mayor and me in developing and diversifying Greater Manchester’s night-time offering.

“It is vital that the panel represents all of Greater Manchester and its residents, and I feel we have a diverse group with a wide ranging set of knowledge, skills and experience. I’m particularly pleased to welcome stakeholders from across our key public services including TfGM and the Health and Social Care Partnership, as well as leading figures from the industry and businesses.

“This group will be invaluable in ensuring that Greater Manchester’s night-time economy is world leading.”

The working hours of the night-time economy is from 6pm and 6am and encompasses a whole range of sectors. Around 414,000 people in the city-region work in jobs or businesses that are significantly active at night, compromising around 33 per cent of the Greater Manchester workforce.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “The panel announced today will play a vital role in shaping the future of the night-time economy and making Greater Manchester a safer, stronger, more vibrant place to live, work and visit.

“We have the ambition to be a top European, 24-hour city-region in line with New York, Amsterdam and Berlin. We need to ensure that we provide the solutions that are needed and make sure people can get around the city-region in a safe and accessible way. 

“I want to see new life flowing into our towns and building a buzz in all of the proud boroughs of Greater Manchester, and that starts with a thriving and welcoming night-life with an international reputation.”

Improving Greater Manchester’s night-time economy is far from just being about clubs, bars and restaurants. Sacha has already stated his commitment to support the breadth of employees working during those hours including nurses who account for 31 per cent of the night-time economy workforce.

Night-time economy panelist Jessica White of the LGBT Foundation said: “We are very excited about the launch of the panel and the opportunities it presents in bringing together those working across Greater Manchester’s night-time economy.

“I am very aware of the challenges that exist in looking after the night-time economy, particularly in protecting the most vulnerable individuals. We hope to be able to work with key stakeholders in developing unified and impactful services and delivering a second-to-none night out.”

Earlier this month Sacha hosted his first listening event with employees of the night-time economy to further understand the issues they face, with a number of suggestions made for improvements. A similar listening event for operators is planned for early September.

The night-time economy panel will compromise of:

• Sacha Lord – Greater Manchester Night Time Economy Adviser and Chair
• Paul Latham – COO, Live Nation
• Christine Cort – MD, Manchester International Festival
• Jessica White – LGBT Foundation, Community Safety
• Jon Drape – The Loop/Broadwick Live
• Felicity Tulloch – Kuits Solicitors 
• Kemoy Walker – Community Guardian/Youth Worker Moss Side/Hulme
• Gemma Gore – Indigo PR
• Angela Stone - Best Bar None, Altrincham
• Sarah Walters - journalist, Ex City Life (MEN)
• Kim O'Brien – Head of Operations, Warehouse Project and Parklife
• Debra Civic – Security Industries Association
• Cllr Tamoor Tariq – Bury Council
• Manchester City Council representative
• Cherie Buttle / Chris Hill - Greater Manchester Police
• Bob Morris, Chief Operating Officer - Transport for Greater Manchester
• Colin Kelsey, Head of Urgent and Emergency Care Transition & EPRR – GM Health and Social Care Partnership
• Patrick McFadden – Sector Manager for Greater Manchester - North West Ambulance Service