About Us

Urban Spark is a fast-growing place consultancy specialising in the social and leisure economy.

We’re passionate about helping towns, cities, BIDs, and local partnerships create destinations where people feel safe, welcome, and inspired to spend time. By blending strategy, operational insight, and hands-on delivery, we help communities unlock the full potential of their day and night-time economies.

 

What We Do

Urban Spark offers a complete range of services designed to support every stage of place development and management:

• Strategy & Policy Making – Crafting evidence-led strategies, policies, and frameworks to strengthen the social and leisure economy.

• Lobbying & Sector Advocacy – Championing the needs of hospitality, culture, and late-night sectors, working closely with policymakers to ensure their voices are heard.

• BID Support & Advice – Helping Business Improvement Districts develop and deliver plans that enhance safety, vibrancy, and economic growth.

• Purple Flag Accreditation – Guiding towns and cities through the Purple Flag process, from audit to full application and beyond.

• Best Bar None & Pubwatch – Supporting venues and partnerships to achieve and maintain national standards in safety, responsibility, and customer care.

• Business Crime Prevention – Implementing digital radio networks, crime prevention software, and information-sharing agreements to reduce risk and improve collaboration.

• Training & Capacity Building – Delivering tailored sessions on topics such as responsible venue management, safeguarding, and bystander awareness.

• Research & Insights – Gathering data and feedback to inform decision-making and measure success across the evening and night-time economy (ENTE).

 

Recent Projects

Our portfolio reflects the variety and impact of our work:

• Bishop’s Stortford – Purple Flag Application
  Led the town’s successful Purple Flag submission, helping to shape policies and practices that support a safe, diverse, and thriving night-time offer.

• Huddersfield BID – Creating an ENTE Group & Best Bar None
  Established an Evening and Night-Time Economy (ENTE) group to bring together businesses, council partners, and West Yorkshire Police, while also delivering the Best Bar None scheme to raise standards across licensed venues.

• Wakefield BID – Safer Wakefield & Night Economy Strategy
  Supported Wakefield BID in developing an ambitious safety and night economy plan, including the introduction of Safe Spaces, Night Marshals, and information-sharing systems.

• Bradford at Night – Purple Flag & Night-Time Economy Delivery
  Helped Bradford achieve Purple Flag accreditation and continue to evolve its night-time offer through business engagement, training, and operational delivery.

 

Why Choose Urban Spark?

We combine sector expertise with a collaborative, personable approach. Whether you’re a local authority, BID, or private venue operator, we understand the challenges and opportunities of running vibrant places – and we’re here to help you make a lasting difference.

At Urban Spark, we believe that well-managed places don’t just support business; they create safer, stronger communities and unforgettable experiences.