Chef Alex Claridge made night-time economy advisor for the West Midlands

Restaurateur Alex Claridge has been appointed by West Midlands Mayor Andy Street as the new night time economy advisor for the West Midlands

Claridge has been part of the Birmingham hospitality scene for over a decade and is currently chef-patron of the city’s Wilderness restaurant.

His new role will see him act as a champion for the region’s pubs, clubs, bars, concert venues, theatres and restaurants.

In the part-time, voluntary position, Claridge will act as a strategic advisor to the mayor and work closely with Lawrence Barton, Birmingham City Council’s night-time champion.

Claridge said: “For many of us operating across the broad banner of the night-time economy, the tigers have found us. I know many of my peers today are cornered - rising energy prices, staff shortages, strikes, rapidly increasing costs, and the rest of it.

“It takes a certain talent, character, and energy to work in or run the many diverse businesses that make our evenings memorable. I want to harness that creativity and tenacity to fight the good fight together.”

Claridge will also work alongside chef Glynn Purnell, chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority’s (WMCA) Hospitality and Tourism Advisory Board as the local authority ramps up its support for hospitality and nightlife as part of its Plan for Growth.

Street said: “Hospitality and nightlife are the lifeblood of the West Midlands, not least in our city centres. But there is no denying that in recent years they have been hammered by global trends and are now facing a worrying future.

“This sector needs proper support, and our appointment of Alex is just the first step in the WMCA’s renewed commitment to helping the sector thrive again.”

The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has been campaigning for night-time economy champions to be appointed in towns and cities across the UK.

The UK's night time economy was worth £112.8b in 2019, according to NTIA research, but the forced closure of venues during the pandemic has seen the sector lose almost a third of its nightclubs and around 90,000 jobs.

Sacha Lord was appointed night-time economy advisor in Manchester in 2018 while Carly Heath took up the role in Bristol in 2021. The position also exists in London in the form of Night Czar and is held by Amy Lamé.