Festival Insights NEWS: Alex Claridge Appointed as Night Time Economy Advisor in West Midlands

In his role, Alex will act as a champion for the region’s pubs, clubs, bars, concert venues, theatres and restaurants as they look to rebuild following an incredibly difficult few years.

The night-time economy is mission critical to the success of the West Midlands but has faced an onslaught of challenges in recent years, having been particularly hard hit by the Covid pandemic, the fallout from Brexit, and the implications of the ongoing cost of living crisis. Alex will help bring businesses together with wider stakeholders to lobby for, and achieve, investment and action.

As part of his role, Alex will act as a strategic advisor to to help the WMCA and local authorities create a thriving and safe night-time economy.

Born and raised in the West Midlands, Alex has been part of the region’s hospitality scene for over a decade and is currently the chef-patron of