Bournemouth’s night-time economy took centre stage at a Roundtable organised and hosted by the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, bringing key sector voices face-to-face with local MP Jessica Toale.
The event, held on Friday, April 4, at Barbara’s Bier Haus, brought together representatives from bars, nightclubs, transport services, education institutions, and other stakeholders to discuss the current state and future of the town’s evening economy. Labour MP for Bournemouth West, Jessica Toale, heard first-hand about the challenges facing local businesses, including the impact of recent changes to employment law and higher employer National Insurance contributions.
Other topics ranged from shifting consumer habits to the need for smoother engagement between businesses and local authorities when organising events. Unduly negative public perceptions of the town centre were also discussed.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said the event was about ensuring that the voices of local businesses are heard. He said: “Part of our core role is to connect our levy payers with individuals and organisations that influence change, giving businesses platforms to share their concerns and ideas. We will always seek to engage constructively with both national and local government as businesses navigate changes and challenges, such as we see with recent increases in the cost of employing staff.” Despite these choppy waters, this was a positive event – propelled by a strong sense of collaboration and a collective desire to enhance our vibrant and welcoming town centre during the evening hours.”
This was the third roundtable hosted by the BID in partnership with Jessica Toale MP, following previous sessions focused on leisure and hospitality, and the introduction of High Street Rental Auctions – a new power granted to BCP council to put leases of persistently vacant properties in town centres up for auction, under certain circumstances.
Jessica Toale MP once again welcomed the opportunity to engage with Bournemouth’s town centre business community.
She said: “It was a pleasure to engage directly with so many passionate and knowledgeable individuals – it’s clear there’s a lot of energy and resilience in Bournemouth’s night time sector. It is important to me to be proactive and accessible, and events like this are an invaluable opportunity to connect, listen, and deepen my understanding. I look forward to continuing to work with local businesses, helping Bournemouth town centre thrive.”
The Roundtable welcomed attendees from across the local night time ecosystem, including, Barbara’s Bier Haus, The Old Fire Station, Cameo/Myu, Sonny’s Speakeasy/DNA, Banoffee, Alem Leisure, Bournemouth University, International Language School Association, PRC Streamline Taxis, United Taxis, MoreBus, Town Pastors, TownWatch and Hot Radio, as well as Barbara’s Bier Haus.
Victoria Shepherd, Bournemouth Town Centre BID Night Time Economy Co-ordinator, added: “Bournemouth’s night-time economy is essential to the town’s identity and economic health. By bringing people together for meaningful conversations like these, we can help shape its future.”
