Mayor launches independent new Nightlife Taskforce to help support capital’s life at night
- Sadiq announces the members of London’s new independent Nightlife Taskforce
- The Taskforce – a Mayoral manifesto commitment – brings together a wide range of experts from the frontline of the capital’s nightlife to examine and address the issues facing the industries
- Over six months the taskforce will assess the challenges and opportunities facing London’s ever-evolving nightlife to provide recommendations on how to ensure the capital’s night-time economy can thrive
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today revealed the members of a new independent Nightlife Taskforce that has been created to help support the capital’s life at night.
The Taskforce brings together a range of experts from the frontline of the capital’s nightlife to examine and address the issues facing the industries, and provide recommendations on how to ensure the night-time economy can thrive.
In recent years London’s nightlife and night-time industries, along with other cities in the UK, have faced a huge range of challenges. These include the long-lasting impact of the pandemic, rising rents and business rates, staffing shortages, licensing and planning issues, and cost-of-living and cost-of-doing business pressures.
Sadiq is determined to do all he can to work with partners to help the capital’s nightlife communities and industries navigate these challenges and buck global trends, which is why he’s brought together London’s first ever Nightlife Taskforce.
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) recently published figures showing a 32.7 per cent decline in nightclubs across the country since 2020. London saw the smallest decline with a 19.7 per cent decrease from March 2020 to November 2024, compared to Manchester which saw a decrease of 33.3 per cent and Birmingham had a drop of 38.5 per cent.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the landscape of London’s nightlife continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of Londoners and visitors to the capital. This has seen it diversify from zone one to include a range of other locations including Hackney, Peckham and Tottenham.
The Taskforce will be chaired by Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director of fabric, and includes representatives from the heart of London’s nightlife, including Nadine Noor, Founder of Pxssy Palace, Nathanael Williams, Founder of Colour Factory, and Alice Hoffmann-Fuller, consultant and formerly of Corsica Studios; as well key industry bodies Kate Nicholls CEO of UK Hospitality, Mike Kill CEO of Night Time Industries Association, and Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager at Music Venue Trust.
Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise, and over the next six months they will meet regularly to examine and address the challenges and opportunities facing London’s ever-evolving nightlife.
They will have access to an advisory group that will includes representatives from the Met Police, TfL, London Councils, trade unions, the broader business community and supply chain businesses. They will also be supported by Nightlife Research consultants Vibe Lab who will be calling on Londoners to help provide evidence to the taskforce to help develop their recommendations.
The Taskforce will provide a series of recommendations to the Mayor that will then help to build on City Hall’s ongoing work to support nightlife. This includes protecting hundreds of venues from closure through the Culture and Community Spaces at Risk office, working with boroughs to develop London’s first ever local Night Time Strategies, introducing the Night Tube and Overground, creating the most night-friendly London Plan to date, cutting red tape with our Business Friendly Licensing Fund, and launching the Women’s Night Safety Charter.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London’s nightlife industries are vital to the success of our capital, but, as with other cities across the country, they have faced a huge range of challenges in recent years. The rising cost of living and operational costs, shifts in consumer behaviour, staffing shortages and licensing issues have all been hitting businesses hard. I’m determined to do all I can to work alongside our night-time industries, which is why I’ve brought together this independent taskforce of experts to examine and address the opportunities and issues facing the industry. Their expertise and unparalleled knowledge garnered from years of working across a range of night-time industries will help to inform and develop our collective efforts to support nightlife, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director, fabric, said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to lead this newly assembled independent Nightlife Taskforce. This group that has come together, represents some of the best of what London has to offer, across an incredibly broad spectrum. We are all excited about the future of nightlife in our wonderful city, and are also acutely aware of the stark challenges we face. The Taskforce cannot wave a magic wand to make things better but I truly believe through our experience, expertise, knowledge, relationships and desire we can put forward something meaningful by which all stakeholders and individuals who genuinely want to see London’s vibrant night-time economy thrive and grow can then get behind.”
Nadine Noor, Founder of Pxssy Palace, said: "I'm looking forward to be part of this Taskforce because I believe collaboration is key. Working together enables us to stay active, hold each other accountable, and drive meaningful change that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of London’s nightlife."
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said: "I was delighted to lead the first ground-breaking report into London's nightlife, and I'm pleased the Mayor is reaffirming his commitment to the night-time economy through this new taskforce. London's vibrant nightlife is world-renowned and, while there are undoubtedly significant challenges facing our nightlife businesses, it still has the potential to grow and build on that reputation. I look forward to working with the taskforce to develop new solutions that can support businesses in the capital to both survive and thrive."
Notes to editors
Nightlife Taskforce Members:
CHAIR: Cameron Leslie, Co-founder and Director, fabric. Co-opened fabric in 1999 and quickly developed it into one of the UK’s most popular nightclubs. A titan of the nightlife industry, he has supported and championed marginalised communities by ensuring fabric’s programming reflects the diversity of Londoners. He has extensive business experience and a solid understanding of the sector and London’s governance.
Sophie Brownlee, External Affairs Manager, Music Venue Trust (MVT) Worked in external affairs and policy. Previous Associate Director at Connect Public Affairs before joining MVT. Leads external affairs for Music Venues Trust, advocacy with all layers of government across the four UK nations, and strategy.
Alice Hoffmann-Fuller, Consultant. With over 20 years of experience in music events, venue management and operations, and more recently art curation and programming; Alice was pivotal in sustaining Corsica Studios as a cultural linchpin. She is a director of the Good Night Out Campaign, a vocal panellist and supporter of the Music Venues Trust and Help Musicians and a passionate advocate for accessible arts and grassroots creativity.
Mike Kill Dr (h.c) FRSA MIH, CEO, Night Time Industries Association (NTIA). A leading advocate for the UK’s nighttime economy. He is also the Vice President of the International Nightlife Association. With extensive experience across independent, corporate, and public sectors, Mike is widely recognised for his work championing policy reform and industry recognition.
Lily London, DJ, Radio Host, Organiser and Promoter. A prominent advocate for inclusivity in London's music scene, known for her research and dedication to underground spaces. At 30, she hosts events championing diversity and safe environments.
Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO, UK Hospitality. Kate Nicholls is the CEO of UKHospitality, representing the hospitality sector since 2018. She also chairs the Institute of Licensing and a member of the Government’s Visitor Economy, Hospitality and Food & Drink Sector Councils helping to develop government strategies in those areas Formerly chair of London’s Night Time Commission, Kate led the groundbreaking “Think Night” report on London’s nightlife and continues to advocate for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Nadine Noor, Founder, Pxssy Palace. Created one of London’s most internationally known, influential and inclusive running club nights across London. Pxssy Palace centres queer, Black and Brown women and non-binary people. They advocate for inclusive nightlife that prioritises the safety and well-being of marginalised communities.
Provhat Rahman, Founder, Daytimers Collective. Provhat Rahman is the Founder of Daytimers Collective and co-founder of Dialled In Festival, which champion South Asian artistry. As a DJ and producer, Provhat has created opportunities for underrepresented artists while raising significant funds for global charities. His work continues to elevate South Asian voices in the UK’s cultural landscape.
Sam Spencer, Head of Operations, Broadwick Live. Key leader at Broadwick Live, the UK’s nightlife and events powerhouse behind Printworks, Field Day, and The Drumsheds. Instrumental in shaping London’s nightlife with large-scale, immersive experiences.
Georgina Wald, Corp Comms Manager at Fuller, Smith & Turner PLC Georgina oversees corporate affairs, communications and media relations. She has led public relations for major food and hospitality businesses and associations. As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group Steering Committee, Georgina is a champion of the cultural and economic contributions of pubs and brewing, promoting their integral role in UK society and tourism.
Nathanael Williams, Founder, Colour Factory. One of London’s Black-led music venues, located in Hackney Wick. With a commitment to championing LGBTQ2IA+ and POC artists, Nathanael curates events that foster inclusivity and celebrate London’s diverse culture. As multi-instrumental artist, author, street food kitchen pioneer and co-founder of Jumbi in Peckham, he continues to innovate in music and hospitality.
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In January, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) released figures showing a 32.7 per cent decline in the total activity of the UK’s nightclub sector since March 2020. This equates to a loss of 405 venues, with the number of nightclubs dropping from 1,240 in March 2020 to just 835 in November 2024. https://ntia.co.uk/
VibeLab is a data-driven research, consultancy and advocacy agency dedicated to supporting creatives and preserving nighttime culture. https://vibe-lab.org/