Region's nightlife faces fight for survival

The West Midlands' hospitality and nightlife sector faces growing pressure, industry figures have warned, as business owners call for action to help venues survive.

Concerns come following the closure of Michelin-starred Simpsons Restaurant after 32 years, as well as ongoing disruption linked to HS2 construction in Birmingham city centre.

Simpsons owner Andreas Antona said the challenges facing hospitality businesses had intensified in recent years, placing significant pressure on operators across the region.

Mayor Richard Parker recently unveiled plans to help boost the region's night time economy, with a commission recommending 25 measures to support businesses.

"I've made the commitment to work with the sector on some of the cost pressures they face, and I'll be discussing them with those with the government over the next few weeks," he said.

Among those backing the proposals is Lyle Bignon, Birmingham's Night Time Economy Ambassador, who said all 25 recommendations should be delivered to have a meaningful impact.

"I would agree with Andreas that there are more companies and businesses, particularly small to medium size businesses, that are at risk than not.

"We know in other areas of the nighttime economy and hospitality, the profit margins have been sliced from 8% to 1%, so why would anybody continue in business with that sort of pressure."

The warning signs are already being felt across the sector.

Last week, Simpsons owner Andreas Antona announced the closure of the Michelin starred restaurant, citing the economic climate and rising costs.

Antona said only a small proportion of restaurants were currently making a profit.

"It has been a well-loved institution, I started it 32 years ago and I'd never thought that this is how it would end.

"That was never the intention, but the economic climate in this country at the minute is dire.

"It needs a radical shake-up, and the government needs to pay attention to the economy.

I mean, they go on about inequality, but prosperity is the first sort of step on the ladder," he said.

Meanwhile, Birmingham pub landlord John Brearley said delays to the HS2 project were continuing to affect businesses near Curzon Street.

Brearley, who runs The Woodman, said uncertainty over the timescale of the project was making it difficult for businesses to plan ahead.

"It would be fair to say I was disappointed to hear the announcement of the further delays to HS2.

"I'm a very optimistic guy, and I'm positive about it, but it starts to feel like this HS two thing is becoming a bit of a mirage."

He added that profitability remained a major challenge for many operators.

"A business has to make profit to stay alive, and there comes a point, especially with small businesses who don't have deep corporate pockets behind them to support them, you're dipping into your personal savings to keep it going, and you can't sustain that a long period of time."

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