Support for UK NTE 'lagging behind' other countries

According to the NTIA, the UK has lagged behind other countries in supporting the late-night economy despite being globally renowned for club culture and grassroots music movement as well as its vibrant bars, pubs and restaurants, festivals, and events.

The trade body stated in the last week, the Irish Government committed to appointing an NTE adviser in nine major cities across the country, while an adviser is appointed every month in America.

Greater consideration 

However, in the UK, one NTE Adviser is appointed every two years despite the industry being responsible for more than 300m nightlife tourists a year and generating more than £112bn in revenue as well as employing just under 2m people, according to the NTIA.

NTIA CEO Michael Kill said: “The UK is held in such high regard for its cultural tapestry, from festivals to clubs, and deserves the commitment from regional politicians to lay the foundation for a successful future.

“Our industry is fundamental to the economic recovery of this country and needs greater consideration.”

Vitally important roles

In order to build on the network of established NTE advisers nationwide and support the late-night sector, the NTIA has called on Liverpool; Brighton; Glasgow; Edinburgh; Cardiff; Swansea; Nottingham; Sheffield; Leeds; Leicester; Belfast; Hull; Newcastle; and Southampton to work alongside them and help boost the industry’s post pandemic recovery.

Kill added: “If we are not careful our world leading NTE will lose ground on the rest of the world. Let's not get left behind because of political and local indifferences.

“I am calling on every major city across the UK to work with us in creating these vitally important roles in our cities, building on the network of NTE Advisers across the country to support nightlife and rebuild our local and national economy.”