Noctis is the new name for Beda

The trade body for the late-night sector, the Bar Entertainment and Dance Association (Beda), has changed its name to Noctis, the Latin word for night.

The organisation, which has undertaken a review lasting several months, now describes itself as the "voice of the late-night economy". Former chief executive Jon Collins, current CGA Strategy chief executive, replaces chairman Paul Kinsey, who is finishing a two-year tenure.

Executive director Paul Smith, still in charge of the day-to-day running of the body, said: "The committee favoured Noctis, as no acronym comes close to encapsulating the magnificent diversity of the late-night sector.

"Changes of name and

focus are not new - we've seen several re-brands over our 56-year history, such as Associa-tion of British Ballrooms, and British Entertainment and Discotheque Association, to best reflect our members' developing needs."

The decision followed consultation with members on ways of serving the sector.

The original consultation document presented a range of options, including seeking closer working with the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers.

Smith said: "These changes allow us to utilise Jon's strengths and experience of working in the late-night sector, to help me navigate some pretty big obstacles ahead. My focus will shift slightly to give Noctis a higher profile in the wider world amongst a greater, more diverse range of stakeholders in the media, local authorities and police."

Collins said: "The idea is to take the best of Beda and

forge it into something

stronger. Noctis has an important part to play in shaping many difficult debates around alcohol, the high street and late-night sector.

He added: "We need to continue helping to provide the best trading conditions for the sector, but we also need to shape the debates around these issues at a more fundamental level."