The long conversation: how Wolverhampton’s creatives plan to improve business

The Industry Spot, created by Kupid Val-Essoné, events organizer and musician, introduced The long Conversation on how to improve Wolverhampton’s business sector.

Within the last month, Wolverhampton has seen multiple businesses close on the high street, with residents expressing their concerns over social media. 

The Long Conversation aimed to present creators, business owners, and event managers with a member of the city council, to get their questions answered. As well as this, it was an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and share ideas on how to better the city, in the face of negative press.

I know that I can set up a meeting and get support easily, but I’m one person, and I wanted this to happen more publicly so people can get the right support. The community can just turn up and make a difference. I couldn’t care less that M&S closed, because there’s a lot more happening that deserves attention.

Kupid Val-Essoné, events organizer and musician

Julie Pietragallo, City Investment Marketing Executive for the City of Wolverhampton Council, spoke at the event to answer questions and present the new ‘Visit Wolverhampton’ page. The page aims to put all events and opportunities in one place, becoming the ‘go-to website’ for those looking for things to do in the city. With the area welcoming new businesses and hosting regular events, Julie tells us how she feels about the atmosphere she’s experienced over the past few weeks.

I haven’t actually seen the city feel like it is thriving the way it is now. In my mind, it’s exactly how I want the city to be all the time. We’ve got grassroots community and the arts, making things happen.

Julie Pietragallo, city investment marketing executive

Kupid tells us, “It’s a pain, especially when the press focuses on violence, when there’s a lot more to the city“, highlighting how social media has been damaging to businesses and local events. He acknowledges that he does feel privileged as a well-known male in experiencing more safety; however, he thinks that he “is fine when walking through my hometown”, in response to coverage of recent crimes.

Just this last month, Kupid invited DJ AG to the city, putting together an outdoor music event, to which many attended. He has been happy to share that the community was “well-behaved“, and only positive coverage could be given. Kupid has taken to social media, despite sharing that it’s usually “not his thing“, in order to promote Wolverhampton as a city for free, community-led and trusted events.

On Saturday, 1st November, Sam (also known musically as S-X), opened a new store in Wolverhampton for his brand-new business, ‘Meltdown Cookies’. He took to social media to spread awareness of his opening day, challenging viewers to find his hidden ‘free cookie’ cards around the city. 

I wanted to push the fact that I’m opening a cookie shop. I wanted to center people and give away free products. Since then, it just went viral. A lot of the people who come in now know me as ‘the cookie guy’, rather than from my music, which is a great rebranding.

Sam (S-X)

Sam opened his store on King St, a location that doesn’t have many other open businesses surrounding it. He shares that many were confused, asking, “Why would you open a store in Wolves?“, to which he responds, “Why not? Wolverhampton is home“. Sam has grown up in the city, selling his early CDs in the square, to performing at the Molineux stadium.

It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to create and keep a small family business open. People should be supporting these, instead of moaning about clothing stores.

Sam (S-X)

The store offers a modern and sleek look to the city square, with the intention to “change with the times” and provide young people a space to get together and wind down – or rather “have a meltdown“. 

Business owners are encouraged to use social media to push their sales, with Sam having given away over 400 cookies on his opening day through the use of TikTok. The new ‘Visit Wolverhampton’ site presents a council-approved way for businesses to collaborate on this, pushing positive media coverage of events and city life.

As for negative outlooks on social media, Kupid tells us, “There will always be negative comments, but we have the opportunity to respond with positive news”.