From day one of the Night Time Economy Summit here in Birmingham:
Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said:
“The coming together of NTE leaders and stakeholders in Birmingham this week represents the biggest and most ambitious Night Time Economy Summit we have hosted yet.
“It is a fitting representation of our ongoing economic power that we will welcome so many delegates from across the globe to the heart of the country over the coming days to explore a sustainable and exciting future together.
“As we have seen from London and regions elsewhere in the UK, central and local government must work with us to understand and complement the work of our industries.
“We encourage the West Midlands to take the opportunity to not only match the commitments of political leaders elsewhere in the Four Nations, but lead through innovation and bold strategy.”
Lyle Bignon, NTE Ambassador for Birmingham working on behalf of the NTIA, said:
“For two days, Birmingham and the West Midlands is at the very centre of the UK and Europe’s NTE industry as we host the Night Time Economy Summit 2025.
“This sends a clear message to our political leaders and key decision-makers, just 24 hours after a city council budget announcement that confirms further financial decimation of services in Birmingham: the NTE, and questions around its future, will not go away.
“Action from our elected regional mayor and councillors who hold key decision-making power to support our industries is now long overdue.
“We demand a clear strategy and delivery timeline from Birmingham City Council and other West Midlands local authorities along with West Midlands Combined Authority.
“An event of the magnitude of the Night Time Economy Summit demonstrates the importance of our NTE in supporting jobs and businesses, and driving artistic excellence, a sense of community, social cohesion, and visitor economies.
“As London’s Nightlife Task Force announcement yesterday suggests, collaborative working is key to our shared future.
“Previous mismanagement of Birmingham City Council finances, or inaction on the part of Mayor of the West Midlands and West Midlands Combined Authority is no longer acceptable.
“We are proving our value and contribution; now is the time for our political leaders to do the same and work with us on a credible and deliverable plan to secure and grow our Night Time Economy.”
Jack Brabant, founder-director of Digbeth Dining Club and Hockley Social Club – host venue for the Night Time Economy Summit 2025
“In spite of the challenges we have faced over the past five years, the night-time industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The Night Time Economy Summit has only served to further highlight our collective power. However, we cannot rely on that alone.
“Almost 2,000 NTE businesses in the city have closed since 2020. To secure long-term security, recovery and growth, there is a need for greater engagement and support from government at a regional and national level.
“As a Birmingham-based business that has been part of the NTE for more than a decade, we have experienced firsthand the knock-on effect that a lack of support can have. It impacts not only the venue operators, but also the local communities we serve — musicians, performers, hospitality workers, food traders, local suppliers, and more.
“The night-time economy is a fundamental part of the UK’s social, economic and cultural fabric, and it is vital we have the necessary backing to continue to thrive as an industry.
Peter Connolly, owner Nortons Digbeth – host venue for the Night Time Economy Summit official afterparty – said:
“We are delighted to be hosting the Night Time Economy Summit after party, after such an impressive day event at Hockley Social Club.
“We are keen to see support for the Night Time Economy from our regional mayor, including a clear message, strategy, and ambition from our elected representatives.”
“It is incredibly tough for NTE and hospitality right now.
“We expect, from our elected representatives, a greater understanding of the importance and impact of place-making alongside the creative industries, bonded together through NTE and hospitality.
“We have a Labour government and a labour mayor, both of which I thought would understand more so than our previous government, that independently run venues such as ours are community and cultural assets and provide more than just revenue for taxation.”