Get ready, Southampton, because this week’s Kiwi is going Purple!

Andrew Steel,

IT, Website & Marketing Manager

17th April 2023

Congratulations to Southampton on achieving the coveted Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy!

As a training provider operating in the hospitality sector in Southampton, we are thrilled to hear that our city has been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy. This is a fantastic achievement for the city and testament to the hard work of GO! Southampton, the city’s business improvement district (BID), Southampton City Council, key partners, and local businesses who have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months to make Southampton a safer and more enjoyable place to be.

What does a Purple Flag mean?

The Purple Flag status is a highly sought-after award organised by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) and recognises cities and towns that take measures to ensure their vibrant centres are safe, diverse, vibrant, appealing, well-managed, and offer a positive experience to consumers during the evening. To receive this award, cities and towns must demonstrate a clear strategy based on sound research, integrated public policy, and a successful multi-sector partnership.

We are proud to see that the highlights from Southampton’s submission included the high standard of street cleaning across the city, the absence of graffiti and litter, the evident strength of the partnership, and the provision of a significantly well-resourced and professional triage facility run by St Johns Ambulance, which was well integrated into the overall running of the night-time economy. These measures, combined with other safety initiatives such as the night-time patrol of the BID area, the introduction of safe spaces, a pop-up safe zone, and an increase in night-time buses available for students, have resulted in a safer and more welcoming environment for all.

What does a Purple Flag mean to Southampton?

The benefits of having the Purple Flag status are numerous and include a raised profile and an improved public image, an increase in footfall, lower crime and antisocial behaviour, and regeneration and development to the area. As a training provider operating in the hospitality sector, we are particularly pleased to see that this award recognises the importance of providing high standards of customer care and ensuring that visitors are able to move around the area with ease.

We believe that this achievement will help put Southampton on the map as an exciting, thriving, and safe place to visit in the evening. It is a fantastic opportunity for the city to showcase its diverse mix of dining, entertainment, and culture, while also promoting the importance of the safety and wellbeing of the city’s visitors and local residents.

In conclusion, we would like to congratulate GO! Southampton, the city’s business improvement district (BID), Southampton City Council, key partners, and local businesses on this outstanding achievement. We look forward to working together to continue to provide high-quality hospitality training to our students, ensuring that Southampton’s evening and night-time economy remains safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.

“As a Customer Service and Retail trainer, I am incredibly proud of our learners’ contribution to Southampton being awarded purple flag status. This award recognises the hard work and dedication in ensuring that the evening and night-time economy of the city is safe, diverse, vibrant and well-managed.

From my experience as a Kiwi Trainer, Our learners have shown initiative, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude towards learning and adapting on the job, which has helped improve the city’s customer experience. I am confident that apprentices in Southampton have made a positive contribution to the city by achieving this award. I am sure they will continue to make a positive impact in the hospitality and retail industry.”