Top industry leaders appointed to mayor’s Night-Time Economy Commission
Leading voices from the region’s breweries, pubs, restaurants, cultural and entertainment venues have been chosen to join national industry chiefs to help mayor Richard Parker protect and revitalise the West Midlands night-time economy.
The mayor’s Night-Time Economy Commission - chaired by Wolverhampton councillor Chris Burden – meet for the first time this week to start identifying the biggest challenges facing this important part of the West Midlands economy.
Members will report back to the mayor early next year with their recommendations for a plan designed to reignite the industry and help breathe new life into town centres and high streets.
Mr Parker said: “The night-time economy is huge for us. Around a third of the West Midlands workforce is employed in the sector – 120,000 people in hospitality alone.
“That’s why it’s a top priority to back businesses, protect jobs, and make sure this sector doesn’t just survive, but thrives.”
The regional and national night-time economy leaders chosen to be part of the Commission are:
- Crissie Rushton, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls
- Alex Nicholson-Evans, Birmingham-based events company, Living for the Weekend
- Henry Poultney, Grace & James, wine bar and deli in Kings Heath, Birmingham
- Dalvinder Dhillon, Coventry-based Dhillon’s Brewery
- John Barrett, CVOne, which runs a string of nightclubs in Coventry
- Jack Brabant, Digbeth Dining Club
- Toni Grehan, DJ and educator who runs She Creates and Variations club night
- Lyle Bignon, Night-Time Industries Association
- Jim Cathcart, UK Hospitality
- Roxy Bentley, the Nationwide Caterers Association
- Sophie Asquith and Jay Taylor, Music Venue Trust
Cllr Chris Burden, chair of the Commission and City of Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet member for city development, jobs and skills, said: “This is such an important part of our region’s economy and it’s vital the industry and the public sector work together to find the best ways of supporting it now and into the future.”
The Night-Time Economy Commission will be managed for the Mayor by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
It has been set up at a challenging time for the sector with its Covid recovery slowed by changing consumer behaviours linked to cost-of-living pressures.
Concerns over night-time safety, public transport, staffing issues and changes to licensing and other regulations have also played a part.
Michael Kill, chief executive at the Night-Time Industries Association (NITA), added: “We thank to the Mayor for responding to our calls for further understanding and support around a road to recovery, and ultimately a brighter future, for our businesses and ecosystem. We look forward to working with colleagues to ensure growth and security for the region's night-time economy.”
Pictured: Cllr Chris Burden, chair of the Mayor's Night-Time Economy Commission, with Crissie Rushton, general manager of University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, who is a member of the Commission.
