West Midlands Mayor brings together top industry figures to boost night-time economy
Some of the West Midlands’ biggest names in hospitality, culture and entertainment have been appointed to Mayor Richard Parker’s new Night-Time Economy Commission, tasked with revitalising the region’s pubs, clubs and live venues after years of economic strain.
The group – which includes leaders from Dhillon’s Brewery, Grimsby Dining Club, UKHospitality, and the Music Venue Trust – will meet for the first time next week under the chairmanship of Wolverhampton councillor Chris Burden.
The commission will identify the key challenges facing the sector and report back to the Mayor early next year with recommendations to strengthen jobs, support small businesses, and ensure the region’s nightlife “thrives, not just survives.”
Mayor: ‘keeping our region buzzing after dark’
Announcing the appointments, Mayor Richard Parker said the night-time economy remains a cornerstone of the West Midlands’ identity – and a vital part of its workforce. “Around a third of the West Midlands workforce is employed in this sector – about 100,000 people in hospitality alone,” he said. “I’m bringing together some of the best minds in the business. These are the people on the frontline running our pubs, clubs, restaurants and music venues. I can’t wait to work with them to keep our region buzzing long after dark.”
Wide representation across nightlife sector
The new commission features a mix of regional entrepreneurs and national industry voices, including:
- Crissie Rushton, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls
- Dalvinder Dhillon, Dhillon’s Brewery, Coventry
- Jack Brabant, Digbeth Dining Club
- Toni Grehan, DJ and founder of She Creates
- Jim Cathcart, UKHospitality
- Sophie Asquith and Jay Taylor, Music Venue Trust
- Roxy Bentley, Nationwide Caterers Association
Chair Cllr Chris Burden said the group’s goal was to unite local councils, industry, and communities to “develop a positive vision for a thriving and safe region after dark.”
Facing post-covid pressures
The commission launches at a critical moment for the region’s nightlife, still recovering from the pandemic and grappling with rising costs, staffing shortages, transport challenges and safety concerns.
Alan Fox, CEO of the Nationwide Caterers Association, said: “These businesses shape our towns, cities and high streets. The formation of this commission is a real opportunity to give independent traders a stronger voice.”
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night-Time Industries Association, called it a “major breakthrough” after years of campaigning for structured regional support.
And Sophie Asquith of the Music Venue Trust added that protecting grassroots venues was now “more important than ever” as many faced closure.
Part of wider regional recovery plan
The commission forms part of the West Midlands Growth Plan, which aims to make local jobs more secure and strengthen everyday industries across the region.
Initiatives already under way include the Business Growth West Midlands support programme for SMEs, the re-regulation of bus services to improve late-night transport, and Safer Travel Officers to tackle harassment in nightlife spaces.
As Parker put it, the mission is clear: “This sector makes our region’s cities and towns vibrant, creative and alive. Now it’s time to give it the backing it deserves.”
