APRIL | AGENDA
NTIA calls for exceptional
measures as night time
economy grinds to a halt
The NTIA has called for an
exceptional measure, The Big
Freeze, in the face of the coronavirus
crisis.
“Our Industry has been subject to
a period of prolonged frustration,
as we have been drip fed the
Government’s economic provisions
for rescuing businesses within the
Night Time & Events Sector leaving
millions in a state of confusion and
many extremely concerned about
extended indebtedness and ruin,”
he told Access.
“It is clear from many of the
provisions which have been
assessed, that the headlines are
bigger than the reality, with many
businesses still not clear on support
or falling outside of the eligibility
parameters. The timelines with
which these provisions will be
implemented, fall perilously outside
of the levels of cash flow held by
many businesses. So, while we
applaud the news of the staff rescue
package we are still inundated with
questions about how and when this
will come to fruition.
“What too for the millions of self-
employed workers across so many
vital sectors and within our own
that now, without the current bill
being passed through the House of
Commons, face a period of hardship
through no fault of their own – and
not commensurate with their pay
rolled fellow citizens.
“Our Membership and the wider
Industry are frustrated and are
calling for simpler solutions easier
to understand and access. We all
stand together and as such, we
implore the Government to take a
further exceptional measure and
Freeze the economy.
“The Big Freeze will resolve a
myriad of issues facing so many of
our businesses and workers across
Britain and enable us all to pull
together as a nation, and through
our communities get through this
crisis, with minimum impact on
people’s lives.
“Prime Minister, you have taken
very significant and entirely
unprecedented measures as you
have said this evening with this new
declaration. We are now further
limited as citizens. By freezing the
economy now, you will be ensuring
that there is a temporary relieve for
British workers and business.
“Freezing payments in this next
period will allow people to focus on
health and wellbeing rather than
their personal financial burden.
Now more than ever we all need a
level of calm to manage this next
period pragmatically and for the
greater good of all. We await your
response.”
Earlier on in the coronavirus crisis
timeline, the NTIA was signalling
massive drops in attendance.
On 15 March, the association
published the following figures:
Night Time Economy
Performance Overview:
Scotland: 35 - 40% down
North: 30-40% down
Midlands: 25 - 30% down
South: 25 - 30% down
Wales: 20 - 30% down
East: 25 - 35% down
West: 15 - 25% down
Industry views
Bournemouth
7s MD Craig
Mathie moved the
event’s date to
28-30 August
Marketing
director for
Festicket, Luis
Sousa:
Jon Ola Sand,
executive
supervisor,
European
Broadcasting
Union (EBU):
“I would like to place
on record my sincere
thanks to the venue,
all of our partners,
suppliers, contractors,
staff, entertainment
acts for their goodwill
and support with the
proposed new dates.”
“There is a great deal of
support from fans for those
promoters and ticket agents
communicating openly and
honestly, particularly those
offering candid advice on
whether the event plans
to go ahead as normal, will
be postponed until later
in the year or cancelled.
Customers should be
aware of their options
for refunds or alternative
arrangements.”
“We are very proud of the
Eurovision Song Contest,
that for 64 years has
united people all around
Europe. The EBU, together
with the Host Broadcaster
NPO, NOS, AVROTROS
and the City of Rotterdam
will continue to talk to see
if it’s possible to stage the
Eurovision Song Contest in
Rotterdam in 2021.”
Thanks to Martin Fullard and Stuart Wood for additional support with this page
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