Greater Manchester’s first ever night-time economy adviser, Sacha Lord, has unveiled a panel of leading figures from across the city-region to support his work in improving Greater Manchester’s nightlife and night-time economy.
The night-time economy is deemed to run from 6pm and 6am. Around 414,000 people in the city-region work in jobs or businesses that are significantly active at night, comprising around 33 per cent of the Greater Manchester workforce.
Following Sacha Lord’s appointment as night-time economy adviser 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 some of the panellists who will be working towards making night-time Greater Manchester a world-leading place to live, work, or visit.
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.’’
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said the panel, ‘‘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.”
Earlier this month Sacha Lord hosted a listening event with night-time economy workers to hear about issues they face and suggestions for improvements. Another listening event is planned for 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/Global Radio
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