Struggling night-time businesses in the West Midlands have made a direct call to the government for support in turning their fortunes around.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle met with members of the Night Time Economy Commission, which is led by West Midlands mayor Richard Parker, during a visit to the region.
Kyle set out his plans for growth and support for the sector as well as hearing concerns they have, such as increasing costs and business rates.
Parker, who set up the commission to understand problems faced by night-time venues in the region, said Kyle promised to consider some issues, following Thursday’s meeting at The Sunflower Lounge in Birmingham.
The mayor will receive a report with recommendations on how he can support the industry in the new year.
Parker said the meeting with Kyle, attended by Birmingham City Council leader John Cotton and Wolverhampton councillor and commission chair Chris Burden, was “productive”.
According to data from the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), since 2020 Birmingham has had the biggest fall in the number of venues in a major city.
A loss of 27.5% is a worrying trend that shows no sign of slowing as four city venues closed in one month this year.
Parker said there were “changing habits, particularly by young people who are going out less, spending less and drinking less”.
“But we understand the cultural and creative life and those sectors that support it, including hospitality, are fabric to making Birmingham and the West Midlands a place where people can enjoy themselves.
“We are really keen to support the industry. What we can do is look at ways in which business rate reform can help the sector but also we know one of the best ways we can help the sector is by creating more jobs and growing our economy,” said Parker.
The mayor wants to invest in high streets and markets to increase footfall and also mentioned making improvements to public transport.
He said Kyle “promised to go away and consider some of the issues”.
