'People can't afford to go out every weekend'

Poppy Ringrose runs social media for two venues as well as her own club night, and says people are going out less often

Hospitality leaders in Birmingham have called on local and national government to do more to support the night-time economy, at the start of an international summit in the city.

More than 1,800 industry delegates from about 20 different countries are in the city.

Mayor Richard Parker said the West Midlands Combined Authority was providing grants to help businesses expand, employ more local people and to be more energy efficient.

Figures from the industry association found the number of businesses in the sector had been falling steadily since the start of the pandemic.

Adrian Alexander, from West Midlands Jerk Centre, says companies are trying to balance value for money with rising costs

Birmingham lost 163 firms among cultural, entertainment or food and drink venues and those who supply them between March 2020 and September 2024, according to the Night Time Industries Association.

The industry summit was held at street food venue Hockley Social Club, which has diversified to offer comedy and classical music nights to draw visitors.

"Every week is a struggle, we are fighting to get people to come through the door," said the venue's founder Jack Brabant.

The problem was exacerbated, he said, due to people working from home, and poor transport links.

Jack Brabant says people working from home and poor transport links have made the city centre a difficult place for hospitality businesses.

Poppy Ringrose, who runs social media for two venues as well as her own club night, said people were going out less often due to the costs involved.

"People, I think, are picking and choosing. They can't just go out every single weekend. It's like a once-a-month thing, because you've got to be more careful with your money."

Adrian Alexander, from West Midlands Jerk Centre, said cost was something hospitality businesses were aware of.

"It's really difficult trying to balance value for money with the rising costs of things all the time. It's finding that balance without compromising the quality," he said.

Richard Parker said the night time economy was a key part of what made the West Midlands a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

He added: "I'm serious about making a difference and that's why I'm working with industry leaders across all areas of the economy to drive growth and improve people's lives."