By Gurdip Thandi

Copyright expressandstar

Lyle Bignon, NTE ambassador for Birmingham, working on behalf of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), said the announcement of a Mayoral Night-Time Economy Commission for the West Midlands is vital to save the sector.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said he is recruiting members to join the commission to explore the challenges facing pubs, music venues, cinemas, restaurants, street food stalls, and gyms, and identify what support the sector needs to thrive.

The night-time economy makes up around a third of the entire West Midlands workforce with 120,000 working in hospitality.

Mr Bignon said: “We welcome the announcement of the Mayoral Night-Time Economy Commission for the West Midlands.

“This initiative comes after years of campaigning by the NTIA for a meaningful forum for our region, at which the challenges and opportunities around NTE and hospitality in the region can be discussed, and ultimately addressed.

“Latest figures from the Night-Time Economy Market Monitor show that across the UK’s major cities, Birmingham has experienced the largest decline in late-night venues, at -27.5 per cent since 2020.

“We are losing the pubs, clubs, bars, cafés, music venues, and other community spaces that provide crucial artistic, economic and social functions for our residents and visitors at a worrying rate.

“Our late-night economy is disappearing before our eyes, and the night time economy across the West Midlands is in vital need of support.

“The creation of a regional NTE Commission is, we hope, the start of better dialogue and discourse around a road to recovery, and ultimately a brighter future, for our businesses and ecosystem.

“We thank Mayor of the West Midlands Richard Parker and his team for responding to our calls for further understanding and support around our sector and industries, and look forward to working with this new initiative to ensure growth and security for the region’s NTE.”

The commission will run for six months and will be managed by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

It will be made up of up to eight private sector representatives from every part of the sector with successful candidates expected to attend in-person and online meetings and help draw up a set of recommendations to secure the future of the night-time economy.

Mr Parker said: “Our night-time economy is a crucial part of what makes the West Midlands a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

“That’s why I’m going to be working side by side with industry leaders, businesses, and communities to help this sector not just survive, but thrive.

“That means valuing the jobs it creates, backing the businesses that keep our region buzzing after dark, and ensuring everyone feels safe, supported, and confident, whether you’re working behind a bar, meeting friends, a nurse on the night shift, or driving a taxi.”

Anyone interested in joining the Mayoral Night-time Economy Commission can do so on the WMCA website.