Lyle Bignon, NTE Ambassador for Birmingham, working on behalf of the Night Time Industries Association, 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% 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.”