West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker has launched a recruitment campaign for a new Night-Time Economy Commission aimed at protecting and revitalising one of the region’s most important sectors.
The commission will bring together industry leaders to examine the challenges facing pubs, music venues, cinemas, restaurants, street food traders, gyms, and other businesses that operate after dark. It will then draw up recommendations on how to secure the long-term future of the night-time economy, which employs around 120,000 people across the region—nearly a third of the West Midlands’ entire workforce in hospitality.
The sector has endured a turbulent few years. Heavily impacted by lockdowns and restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now grappling with a slower-than-expected recovery. Changing consumer behaviour driven by cost-of-living pressures, alongside issues linked to licensing, public transport, safety, and staffing shortages, continue to hold back growth.
Mayor Parker said the sector plays a vital role in the character and vibrancy of the West Midlands and must be supported:
“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, out with friends, a nurse on the night shift, or driving a taxi.”
The Night-Time Economy Commission will run for six months under the management of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). It will be composed of up to eight private sector representatives from across the industry. Successful applicants will be expected to attend both in-person and online meetings, contributing their expertise to shape a set of practical recommendations.
Applications are open until Wednesday, 24 September. Candidates will need to complete a short online form outlining their skills and experience, with shortlisted individuals invited to take part in informal discussions about their suitability for the voluntary role.
The initiative forms part of the Mayor’s Growth Plan for the ‘everyday economy’, which recognises the vital role of sectors that provide essential daily goods and services—such as health and care, education, construction, logistics, retail, hospitality, tourism, and the arts.
This latest support builds on the Mayor’s existing measures to back small and medium-sized enterprises through Business Growth West Midlands, which provides funding to help businesses expand and reduce energy costs. Earlier this year, he also approved plans to bring buses back into public control, with new timetables, routes, and fares, alongside the recruitment of Safer Travel Officers and initiatives to tackle sexual harassment.
With the creation of the new commission, Mayor Parker aims to ensure the West Midlands’ nightlife remains a cornerstone of both the economy and the region’s cultural identity.
