“We are really quiet, we lose customers"
Independent businesses in Birmingham city centre say they are losing thousands of pounds as ongoing roadworks continue to affect customer footfall.
The disruption is part of a two-year improvement project which began in January 2026. It includes replacing paving, upgrading street lighting and improving several areas across the city centre.
David Sturgeon, founder of Shepherds barbershop in Piccadilly Arcade, said he had lost approximately £12,000 in trade since construction work began outside his premises.
He described the area as a “dead-zone” and estimated that walk-in customers had fallen by between 40% and 50%.
“I knew it was going to be bad, but I didn’t think it would be this bad,” he said.
Sturgeon explained that his barber chairs had previously been “fully booked day-in, day-out” before the construction work started.
“To suddenly have that cut off, it was a big punch to me and an unpleasant surprise,” he added.
Although he has managed to cover rent and staff wages, the business owner said he has stopped paying himself because of the reduction in income.
He also expressed concerns about the timing of the disruption, particularly with independent businesses preparing for the Christmas trading period.
“So many of us [independent businesses] make our extra cash to get us through January and February in November and December; we’d just be done for really. It’s really bad,” he said.
He added that reduced income was making it difficult to purchase stock and prepare Christmas gifts for customers.
Another affected business is Top Tailor, also based in Piccadilly Arcade.
Director Sayed Hashemi said the impact had been similar to what he experienced during the Covid pandemic.
“We are really quiet, we lose customers, and we can’t take our deliveries for dry cleaning,” he explained.
Hashemi estimated that customer trade had fallen by 50% and said he had struggled to pay his rent.
He also raised concerns about the noise and vibrations caused by construction work outside his premises.
“If it’s going to be like this, we may have to close down,” he said.
Meanwhile, Josh Moran, a barista at Faculty coffee shop, said fewer customers were walking through the arcade.
He explained that the quieter surroundings had affected business, with working days becoming slower.
The improvement project also covers Bennetts Hill, Ethel Street and Temple Street.
Birmingham City Council said it recognised that major construction projects could affect businesses.
It said its priority had been to keep the city “open for business” while making the centre safer, more attractive and accessible.
The council added that it had worked with contractors to maintain access where possible, communicate with affected businesses and minimise disruption.
However, it said reduced footfall did not automatically entitle businesses to compensation where highway works had been properly carried out.
The works are expected to be completed by the end of November 2026, with affected businesses hoping customer numbers will recover once the disruption ends.
