Leading voices from West Midlands' breweries, pubs, restaurants, cultural and entertainment venues have been chosen to join national industry chiefs to help Mayor Richard Parker revitalise the region's night-time economy.
The new Night-Time Economy Commission - chaired by Wolverhampton councillor Chris Burden - will meet for the first time in the coming days to start identifying the biggest challenges facing this part of the West Midlands' economy.
Members will report back to the mayor early next year with their recommendations for a plan designed to reignite the industry and help breathe new life into town centres and high streets.
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The people chosen to be part of the commission are:
- Sophie Asquith and Jay Taylor, Music Venue Trust
- John Barrett, CVOne
- Roxy Bentley, Nationwide Caterers Association
- Lyle Bignon, Night-Time Industries Association
- Jack Brabant, Digbeth Dining Club
- Jim Cathcart, º£½ÇÊÓƵ Hospitality
- Dalvinder Dhillon, Dhillon's Brewery
- Toni Grehan, She Creates and Variations
- Alex Nicholson-Evans, Living for the Weekend
- Henry Poultney, Grace & James
- Crissie Rushton, University of Wolverhampton at The Halls
Mayor Parker said: "I'm bringing together some of the best minds in the business.
"These are industry experts and the brilliant people at the frontline, running our pubs, clubs, restaurants, music venues and cultural spots.
"I can't wait to work side by side with them to keep our region buzzing long after dark. The night-time economy is huge for us.
"Around a third of the West Midlands workforce is employed in the sector - 120,000 people in hospitality alone.
"That's why it's a top priority to back businesses, protect jobs and make sure this sector doesn't just survive but thrives."
Cllr Burden added: "This is such an important part of our region's economy and it's vital the industry and the public sector work together to find the best ways of supporting it now and into the future.
"We have a rich entertainment and cultural history and I'm thrilled to have been asked by the mayor to chair this commission.
"We're going to build on the positive work that's already being done in Wolverhampton and by other councils across the region to develop a positive vision for a region that is a thriving and safe place to work and socialise after dark."
