The Peaky Blinders effectpublished at 16:00 GMT

16:00 GMT

Ed James
BBC Radio WM

Let’s take a look now at what’s been called the Peaky Blinders effect – a surge in recognition for Birmingham since the show’s debut.

The show was in 2021 crowned the most popular Netflix series in the world, the streaming platform being the international host to Peaky Blinders which is broadcast on the BBC domestically.

And it would appear that this kind of audience has rubbed off on the city where the saga is set.

Martin Simms from Production Central West Midlands says the city is seeing benefits.

Martin Simms has short black hair and is standing on a stage at a podium with a black microphone to his mouth. He is wearing a black top with a beige suit jacket. There is a screen behind him with a photo of him on it, and it reads "Martin Simms, head of production central"Image source, Production Central West Midlands

“Just from the film being in the region alone, when they were filming, there was a million pound economic spend which went to the local supply chain, the hospitality industry… local job opportunities created as a result of that,” he said.

“We’ve seen a 19% increase of international visitors and if we look at just the US alone, we’ve seen a 50% increase of US visitors that have come as a result of [Peaky Blinders].”

He said there were “interesting things to come, and hinted that Steven Knight had got some “great plans” himself.

“You’ve got drinks and food named after Peaky Blinders
slogans and all the rest, I think that now presents a real strong
opportunity that we need to take a hold of.”