Night Time Economy

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Night Time Economy

A new network for those managing the Night Time Economy is launched

The Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) has launched a new membership network for managers of the Night Time Economy. The new membership network recognises the contribution that the evening and night time businesses make to the economic health, employing 100s of thousand of people in 10s of thousands of businesses, many of the independents, and with a turnover in the £billions.

Martin Blackwell, CEO of the ATCM said, "Town and city centres are active vibrant places 24/7 and that needs managing, and those that managing it effectively, can reap major rewards for their local economy. We know that visits to our town centres are in decline, but the evening and night time footfall figures are out performing the day time."

People, places and partnership are at the heart of what we do. Getting people together, networking, is a tried and trusted method of ensure the best gets acknowledged, shared and adopted. But networking goes much further than that. Networking enables you to relating to people….relationships are important! It can help you find a mentor and continuously networking will keep you connected and "in the know" in your industry as well as offering the opportunities to meet new people and gain friends. Just as important, it enables you to learn about your industry, establish business contacts, accelerates professional development and to discuss and understand key issues.

The ATCM has therefore launched a new category of membership. It already has some 600 members, but has created a new category aimed at the management needs "After Dark", which will offer networking, advice and support and give the sector a voice.

Our network will meet quarterly and receive extensive support from the ATCM NTE team.

The ATCM/Springboard footfall index is available monthly on the policy page (http://www.atcm.org/policy/index.php) or in an email to members.

For more information please contact Alex Smith, Project Manager - alex.smith@atcm.org 0300 330 0980

NTE Managers Networking Events
Future dates (tbc)

INTRODUCING PURPLE FLAG!

Purple Flag is the new "gold standard" that recognises great entertainment and hospitality areas at night. Places that achieve the standard will be those that offer a positive experience to night time visitors and users. Just as Blue Flag is an indicator of a good beach and Green Flag a good park, Purple Flag is set to be the indicator of where to go for a good night out and will bring positive publicity for the successful town and city centres.

Benefits of the Purple Flag Scheme

Purple Flag has been designed as an objective assessment that will help you put in place the right framework across five key areas for your town or city centre at night. Most significantly it is designed to provide recognition that your centre is managing its night time experience and thus help overcome any negative public perceptions that may exist. Purple Flag provides the opportunity for successful centres to present themselves in their true colours and in a positive light to town centre users and operators, residents, tourists and visitors.

Purple Flag aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of centres between 1700 and 0600. The scheme is managed by the ATCM working alongside the Purple Flag Advisory Board - a partnership of key stakeholder groups, including central and local government, police, business and consumers.

Areas that reach or surpass Purple Flag standards can fly the flag! The market testing which was carried out shows that stakeholders think it will bring real benefits, including:

A raised profile and an improved public image
Wider patronage
Increased expenditure
Lower crime and anti-social behaviour
A more successful mixed-use economy

Purple Flag has been developed by ATCM and the Purple Flag Advisory Board from original research undertaken by the Civic Trust as part if its "NightVision" project. This showed that:

More people would use centres at night if they were safer, more accessible and offered more choice
A good mix of clientele can lessen intimidation and improve perceptions
A wider range of attractions and consumers leads to longer term economic viability

To find out more about Purple Flag and how to enter please visit www.purpleflag.org.uk, our dedicated website which includes all the guidance and documentation you will need to get involved in the programme.

Alternatively please contact Alex Smith on alex.smith@atcm.org.