Nikki

NTIA’s Michael Kill Appointed Dean of Faculty for Nightlife Studies and Receives Honorary Doctorate for Contributions to the Nightlife Industry

NTIA’s Michael Kill Appointed Dean of Faculty for Nightlife Studies and Receives Honorary Doctorate for Contributions to the Nightlife Industry

Appleton Private University & International Nightlife Association Launch Faculty of Nightlife Studies : In a pioneering initiative, Appleton Private University, in collaboration with the International Nightlife Association (INA), has launched the Faculty of Nightlife Studies. This first-of-its-kind faculty is dedicated to professionalising and advancing the nightlife industry through specialised education and training.

Dr Michael Kill, a prominent advocate for nightlife policies and CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), has been appointed as the Dean of Faculty for Nightlife Studies. With extensive experience in policy development and industry leadership, Dr Kill will play a crucial role in shaping the faculty’s academic programmes and strategic partnerships.

Dr Kill shared his enthusiasm for this appointment, stating: “It is an immense honour to lead the Faculty of Nightlife Studies. This faculty represents a groundbreaking step in recognising nightlife as an integral part of our global culture and economy. Through education, research, and collaboration, we aim to professionalise and ensure the sustainability of this sector.”

Honorary Doctorate for Contributions to the Nightlife Industry
To honour Dr Kill’s outstanding contributions to the global nightlife sector, Appleton Private University will confer an honorary doctorate upon him during the ceremony. His leadership in advocating for the industry, alongside his roles as Vice President of the INA and CEO of NTIA UK, has been instrumental in shaping policies that support nightlife businesses worldwide.

Joaquim Boadas, Secretary General of INA and Vice Dean of the Faculty, emphasised the significance of this recognition, stating: “The launch of the Faculty of Nightlife Studies, coupled with Dr Kill’s appointment and honorary doctorate, marks a historic milestone. This initiative will provide specialised education and training, ensuring a more professionalised, safer, and innovative nightlife industry.”

Appleton Private University Awarded Honour at the World Leaders Summit as Ground Breaking Faculty for Nightlife Studies Launches Internationally.
Appleton Private University is poised to make history with the launch of its groundbreaking Faculty of Nightlife Studies and the receipt of a prestigious award at the Ashmolean Museum on 21 March. This event will recognise the university's excellence in interpersonal skill-building while also conferring an honorary doctorate upon Dr Michael Kill for his exceptional contributions to the global nightlife industry.

A Recognition of Excellence in Education
Appleton Private University is celebrated for its innovative approach to education, emphasising leadership, effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This commitment has earned the institution the esteemed title of “Best Education Institution Working on Interpersonal Skill Building” at the upcoming World Leaders Summit. This prestigious global gathering acknowledges institutions and individuals making significant contributions to education, leadership, and societal development.

Dr José Manuel M. Castelo, Rector of Appleton Private University, expressed his pride in this achievement, stating: “We are deeply honoured to be recognised for our commitment to fostering essential interpersonal skills. This award is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and students in shaping a future-oriented education system.”

A Prestigious Gathering at the Ashmolean Museum
The ceremony will be attended by key figures from Appleton Private University and the nightlife sector, including Dr José M. Castelo, Dr Michael Kill, and Dr Joaquim Boadas de Quintana. The Ashmolean Museum, a venue synonymous with intellectual and cultural excellence, serves as a fitting location for this momentous occasion.

As Appleton Private University celebrates these milestones, it reaffirms its commitment to educational excellence and interdisciplinary innovation. The Faculty of Nightlife Studies is set to pave the way for future professionals in an industry that contributes billions to the global economy and provides employment for millions worldwide.

About Appleton Private University:
Appleton Private University is a globally recognised institution dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. It equips students with the skills needed for success in diverse industries.

About the International Nightlife Association:
The International Nightlife Association (INA) is the leading global organisation representing nightlife venues, professionals, and businesses. Through advocacy, education, and industry collaboration, INA works to elevate standards, promote sustainability, and ensure safety within the nightlife sector.

Contact:
Nikki McNeill | Global Publicity
nikki@globalpubicity.co.uk

by Nikki

Night Time Economy Market Tracker Report: £153.91bn Industry Faces Growth Slowdown Amid Rising Costs & Tax Increases

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) and CGA by NIQ have launched a quarterly Night Time Economy Market Monitor. This new report series highlights the economic impact, challenges, and evolving consumer trends in the hospitality industry.

The New Night Time Economy Market Tracker Report highlights both resilience and significant challenges in the UK’s night-time economy. While consumer spending has shown growth similar to pre-COVID-19 levels, the overall pace of recovery has slowed, underscoring the ongoing difficulties faced by the sector.

The NTIA calls on policymakers to recognise the fundamental role the night-time economy plays in the UK’s broader economic and cultural landscape and to take decisive action to safeguard its future.

Key Growth Trends:

• The Night Time Cultural Economy has shown a stronger growth rate of 3.2%, outpacing the total market growth of 2.3%.
• Despite this, growth across all sectors has slowed since 2023, emphasizing the broader economic pressures on the industry.

Gross Value Added (GVA) Insights:

• GVA, a key measure of industry productivity used by HM Treasury and economists, indicates stagnation across the leisure and night-time economy subsectors in 2023.
• Rising business costs, including labour, food, and drink, have significantly impacted profitability despite increased consumer spending.

Employment Trends:

• Employment in the UK’s night-time economy showed slight overall growth in 2023, demonstrating resilience.
• However, employment in key areas saw sharp declines:
  • Licensed club employment fell from 88,300 in 2022 to 68,200 in 2023.
  • Pub and bar employment dropped from 540,400 in 2022 to 474,300 in 2023.
• Conversely, jobs in sporting venues, clubs, and gyms grew significantly from 409,900 in 2022 to 452,800 in 2023, indicating a shift in leisure employment dynamics.

Overall Market Performance:

• Pre-2020 Growth: The Out-of-Home Culture & Leisure Economy saw steady annual growth of 2.8% to 6.4% between 2010 and 2019.
• Pandemic Impact: A severe contraction in 2020 saw a 37.2% revenue decline, with the Night-time Economy plunging 42.2%.
• Post-Pandemic Recovery: Strong rebounds in 2021 (28.9%) and 2022 (34.4%) restored much of the sector’s lost ground.
• 2023-2024 Stabilisation: Growth slowed to 4.5% in 2023 and 2.3% in 2024, signalling market stabilisation.

Sector-Specific Highlights:

• The Night-time Economy remains the largest segment, reaching £153.91bn in 2024, with growth slowing to 2.5%.
• The Day-Time Economy saw modest growth, reaching £69.6bn in 2024 with a 1.8% increase.
• The Night-time Cultural Economy reached £42.71bn in 2024, maintaining a 3.2% growth rate.

Employment Landscape:

• The Out-of-Home Culture & Leisure Economy employed 3.16 million people in 2023, showing long-term growth despite fluctuations.
• The Night-time Economy reached 2.11 million jobs in 2023, while the Night-time Cultural Economy employed 471k.

Key Takeaways:

• The UK’s night-time economy remains a major economic force, but growth is slowing due to rising operational costs.
• Despite a post-pandemic rebound, employment figures in key areas such as pubs and clubs have declined, highlighting structural shifts within the sector.
• The industry continues to demonstrate resilience, but economic pressures require urgent attention to sustain long-term growth.

Statement from Michael Kill, CEO, Night Time Industries Association:
“The findings of this report clearly illustrate the immense challenges our sector continues to face. While the night-time economy remains a £153.91bn powerhouse, we cannot ignore the fact that growth is slowing and operating costs are rising at unsustainable levels. Many businesses, especially small medium enterprises and the cultural sectors, are struggling to maintain profitability despite consumer demand.”

“Adding to these concerns is the uncertainty presented by the impending tax increase cliff edge, the rise in National Insurance contributions for employers, the increase in the National Living Wage, and the reduction in business rates relief. With no sign of a U-turn on these critical policy changes, the financial burden on businesses is set to increase further, threatening jobs and “livelihoods across the sector.”

The decline in employment across vital sectors such as pubs and clubs is deeply concerning, signalling the need for urgent government intervention and support. If these pressures are not addressed, we risk losing critical elements of our cultural and social infrastructure.”

“We call on policymakers to recognise the fundamental role the night-time economy plays in the UK’s broader economic and cultural landscape and to take decisive action to safeguard its future.”

Reuben Pullan, Senior Insight Consultant, CGA by NIQ:

“The value of the night time economy cannot be overstated, not just for the financial throughput it generates, but also the cultural richness that it brings to consumers’ lives.

However, the industry is under threat. The COVID crisis and relentless pressure on costs have created enormous challenges for hospitality businesses in the last five years, and late-night clubs and bars have been hit hardest of all. However, many other segments have been remarkably resilient, and the growth in new types of venues like competitive socialising bars shows the evening economy isn’t disappearing—it’s just changing. With the right support from the government, night-time businesses can power not just hospitality but Britain’s economic growth and job creation.”

The NTIA remains committed to working with industry stakeholders and policymakers to address these challenges and support the future of the UK’s night-time economy.

Notes to Editors:

Download full report here

About the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA):
The Night Time Industries Association is the leading trade association representing businesses in the UK night-time economy. The NTIA works to promote and protect the interests of the night-time economy, advocating for policies and regulations that support the sector’s growth and sustainability.

by Nikki