Night-Time Economy Task Force established in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has convened a task force of leading figures from the hospitality and events sectors to secure the future of the Night-time economy in the city-region.

Co-chaired by Stockport Council leader and GMCA portfolio lead for Economy, Cllr Elise Wilson, and Night-time Economy adviser Sacha Lord, the task force will develop a long-term plan for protecting and promoting Greater Manchester’s restaurants, bars, theatres, clubs, festivals and music venues.

Following the Prime Minister’s outlining of a phased easing of the coronavirus lockdown, the night-time, culture and hospitality sectors are likely to be most affected and remain closed longer than other parts of the economy.

Members of the task force, which held its first virtual meeting on 6th May, include:

• Chris Hill – Superintendent, Greater Manchester Police – City of Manchester Division
• Dave Jenkins – Managing Director, Old Courts
• Jane Dowler – Director, Evuna Restaurants & Bars
• Jay Taylor – Night & Day, Music Venues Association Coordinator North West
• Jon Drape – Director, Engine No. 4
• Julia Fawcett – CEO, The Lowry
• Kim O’Brien – Operations Director, Warehouse Project
• Mark Clinton – General Manager – Refuge
• Mital Morar – Owner – Store Restaurants Group (Ancoats General Store, Stretford Food Hall)
• Neil McInroy – CEO, Centre for Local Economic Strategies
• Rebecca Swaray – Curator, founder and DJ – RebeccaNeverBecky
• Simon Wood – Chef Patron, Wood Restaurants Group
• Steve Hoyland – Divisional Manager, Academy Music Group
• Victoria Robinson – CEO, The Met, Bury

Greater Manchester’s Portfolio lead for Economy and task force co-chair, Cllr Elise Wilson, said:

The government is set to announce details on the likely phases to easing lock-down over the weekend. While we recognise that all sectors will be affected and have to adapt to new ways of working, our night-time, cultural and hospitality businesses, so vital to the economy and vibrancy of Greater Manchester, look set to be hardest hit for the longest time. 

“I am delighted that so many experienced professionals from the sector have come together to form this task group. It’s vital that we understand the scale of the challenges and opportunities facing this sector so that together we can support each other to survive and eventually thrive.”