Night‑Time Economy Gets a Fresh Look with the New Quarterly Tracker
Out of the blue, the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) teamed up with CGA by NIQ to drop a brand‑new Night Time Economy Market Monitor. It’s a quarterly eye‑opener that peeks into the buzzing world of pubs, clubs, and late‑night food spots.
Why It Matters
- It tracks how much cash flows into our after‑dark scene.
- It pinpoints the roadblocks that still keep the industry wobbling.
- It shows what shoppers are actually craving when the lights go low.
Resilience vs. Reality
Even though people are spending money again at levels that feel like a pre‑COVID resurgent vibe, the recovery has hit the brakes. The sector is still wrestling with hurdles—think staffing shortages and changing regulations.
NTIA is waving a big banner for lawmakers: “The night‑time economy isn’t just a party; it’s a cornerstone of Britain’s culture and cash flow. Protect it or risk a night‑time apocalypse!”
Growth Trends – Numbers That Tell a Story
Look at the Night Time Cultural Economy: it’s growing at a healthy 3.2 % this year, which outpaces the overall market’s 2.3 % rise. But even that win feels like a half‑back‑off—2023’s momentum has slowed, highlighting how macro‑economic pressure coins still affect the scene.
Bottom line: the nightly gatherings are trending positive, but we still need a groove that keeps the businessteams moving forward.
Gross value added (GVA) insights
What’s the GVA Story in 2023?
HM Treasury uses the Gross Value Added (GVA) metric to gauge how well the industry is doing. In 2023, the leisure and nightlife scenes are hitting a wall, and the numbers are saying it loud and clear.
The Price Tags Are Going Up
- Labour costs – wages are climbing faster than a nightclub DJ’s pixelated lights.
- Food & drinks – every sip and bite is costing more than a fancy cocktail at a rooftop bar.
- Other business expenses – utilities, rent, and the occasional surprise maintenance bill are stacking up.
What’s Happening to Profit?
Even though more people are spending money on nights out, the rising expenses are eating into profits like a madcap barista pulling a double espresso during a rush hour. The bottom line? Stagnation.
Why It Matters
Investors, policymakers, and bar owners are all watching these numbers. If the trend continues, it could mean fewer gigs, tighter budgets, and a few too many drone tools from the corners of community bar programs.
Takeaway: It’s a Tough Year for the Nightlife
In short, 2023 is a bit of a rollercoaster for the leisure economy: High spending, low profitability, and a lot of awkward pauses in between.
Employment trends
UK Night‑Time Economy 2023: Mixed Signals
What the Numbers’re Saying
- Overall employment in the night‑time scene ticked up a smidge in 2023, proving the sector can bounce back even when the market gets a bit ugly.
- Club jobs took a big nosedive, dropping from 88,300 in 2022 to just 68,200 this year. Looks like the clubs are losing their groove.
- Pub and bar staff fell from 540,400 to 474,300, so the clink of glasses is going a tad quieter.
- On the bright side, sports arenas, clubs (yes, the ones with actually good movement), and gyms saw a solid rise in jobs— from 409,900 up to 452,800. That’s the wake‑up call that people are trading turntables for treadmills.
Why the Shift Matters
- It shows a clear taste‑change in leisure: fitness and sport are stepping up while the traditional night‑life bounce is waning.
- Employers need to adapt. If you’re running a bar, think about adding a community workout corner—or at least a sturdy vending machine.
- Policy makers should note that supporting gyms and sports venues might be a faster ticket to job growth than trying to revive the dark‑room club scene.
Takeaway
In short, the UK’s night‑time economy is a mixed bag—still a bit of a party, but with more people swapping music for muscle. Let’s keep the dance floor open, but maybe invest in a good yoga mat next to the bar.
Overall market performance
Out‑of‑Home, Out‑of‑This‑World: The Business of Fun
Before 2020, the whole out‑of‑home gig was on a steady climb. Every year between 2010 and 2019, the culture & leisure scene pumped in roughly 2.8 % up to 6.4 %—think of it as a polite, unwavering stroll.
Then… the world threw a curveball
- 2020: 37.2 % drop in revenue. Imagine your favourite bistro suddenly leaving the menu.
- Night‑time Economy went even deeper: a sad 42.2 % crash. The neon lights went dim.
The comeback kids of 2021 & 2022
- 2021: a 28.9 % bounce—like a superhero putting on a cape.
- 2022: an even stronger surge of 34.4 %. The pubs, nightclubs, and open‑air gigs were on the comeback trail.
Why the 2023‑2024 dance feels more reserved
- 2023: only a 4.5 % upscale. It’s like switching from a live concert to a cozy jazz evening.
- 2024: a casual 2.3 % growth. The market seems to have found its comfortable groove.
Bottom line: after a wild roller‑coaster, the leisure economy is eyeing a calm, steady rhythm—ready for whatever the next show has in store.
Sector-specific highlights
Night‑time Economy Still Owns the Stage
Breaking down the numbers:
- Night‑time Economy: £153.91 bn in 2024 – the king of all sectors, with growth cooling to 2.5%.
- Day‑time Economy: £69.6 bn for 2024 – steady, but only a 1.8% bump.
- Night‑time Cultural Economy: £42.71 bn – bright and upbeat, holding a firm 3.2% growth rate.
The Big Picture
When you toss daytime and nighttime together, the night side is still the heavyweight champ. It’s pulling in a massive sum and, even though the growth has slowed a touch, it’s still crushing the competition.
Why the Numbers Matter
These figures are more than just a line on a balance sheet – they’re a snapshot of what Brits are spending on nights out, cultural events, and everything that lights up after dark. A few percent of growth is like a gentle tap on the shoulder, saying, “Hey, keep going!”
What’s Next?
Economists and policymakers will want to see if this slowdown turns into a plateau or if the night economy can still charge ahead. Meanwhile, #NightLife lovers can enjoy their favorite spots without a heavy feeling of doom about the number crunch.
Employment landscape
Out‑of‑Home Culture & Leisure Economy: The Job Juggernaut
Picture a bustling street bazaar, a late‑night concert, and a pop‑up art gallery—all humming with industry buzz. In 2023, the Out‑of‑Home Culture & Leisure economy hired a staggering 3.16 million people, proving that while the market may wobble, its long‑term growth stays on a steady upward track.
Crunching the Numbers
- Out‑of‑Home Culture & Leisure: 3.16 million jobs
- Night‑time Economy: 2.11 million jobs
- Night‑time Cultural Economy: 471 k jobs
Why the Numbers Matter
These figures aren’t just digits—they’re real storylines for folks working in cafés, event venues, parks, and nightlife hotspots. They reflect how the economy keeps beating circles of light, music, and convenience even in the face of market dips.
Takeaway
The out‑of‑home sector is a thriving hustle that doesn’t just survive—it expands, job by job, night by night. So whether you’re a barista, a DJ, or a street‑artist, you’re part of a career lane that keeps getting wider.
Key takeaways
The Night‑Time Economy: Still a Big Player, But Facing Some Rough Times
The whole night‑life scene in the UK is still a powerhouse, pulling in a whopping £153.91 bn. But after the pandemic surge, things are wearing a little thin.
Key Issues at a Glance
- Rising operating costs are eating into profits.
- Jobs in pubs, clubs and other nightlife venues are down.
- Small and medium‑sized businesses feel the squeeze the hardest.
- Government policies such as tax hikes and higher National Insurance rates are adding extra load.
What the Leaders Are Saying
Michael Kill – CEO, Night Time Industries Association
“Our sector is still a major economic engine, but we’re running on a slow‑burn fuel and the cost of running a night‑life biz is skyrocketing.”
“Consumers still want to drink and dance, yet the cost of keeping venues open is rising faster than the Wi‑Fi speed!”
“If the government keeps tightening the screws, we’re in danger of losing a lot of jobs and part of our cultural life.”
“We need clear, decisive action – it’s not about playing it safe, it’s about keeping the lights on.”
Reuben Pullan – Senior Insight Consultant, CGA by NIQ
“Night life isn’t just about the money; it’s about the culture, the vibe, the people having a laugh after work.”
“The pandemic and cost pressures have hit bars and clubs hardest.”
“But look, newer social venues – those cool community bars and pop‑up lounges – are thriving, showing the scene is adapting, not collapsing.”
“With a little help from the government, we can keep the economy, jobs, and nightlife bright.”
NTIA’s Commitment
“We’re listening to the industry, talking to policymakers, and pushing for solutions that keep the night‑time economy humming.”
Quick Takeaways
- Night‑time economy is still vital.
- Job numbers slipping, Costs climbing.
- Government policy is a big factor.
- Industry resilient – but needs help.
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