'Time to say goodbye': The Empire boss Ashley Wem steps down as managing director after 30 years

The Empire boss has announced he will be moving on from the Middlesbrough nightclub after three decades at the helm.

Ashley Wem, managing director of The Middlesbrough Empire, has announced that he will be "moving onto pastures new" in a new statement published on the popular venue's Facebook page. Mr Wem did not provide any details regarding the reason for his departure, but wished the site "all the best for the future."

On the government's register of firms, Companies House, Mr Wem resigned as director of the club on April 9. The news means that business partner 'Barry Faulkner Snr' now remains the major shareholder in the business.

The announcement comes just weeks after The Empire was forced to temporarily close following an alleged assault outside the venue, on Corporation Road. The Middlesbrough Council licensing committee considered the 'summary review' application from the force and agreed to suspend the licence.

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A full review hearing is due to take place within the next few weeks - with an Empire spokesman confirming the news of Mr Wem's departure will not affect this situation going forward. As previously reported, The Empire remains temporarily closed.

In the statement, Mr Wem thanked those who had visited the venue over the years, noting the "unbelievable" nights and "incredible" friends. He also thanked Mr Faulkner for his support over the years.

The Empire previously said it remains "absolutely committed to providing a safe nighttime space in Middlesbrough" after the incident on Saturday, March 23. The incident, which saw a man reportedly get "dropped on his head," was captured on video and shared widely across social media.

Officers arrested a 39-year-old man on suspicion of GBH, and later bailed him pending further enquires. Police were able to trace the alleged victim, who was not seriously injured.

Teesside Live has previously reported how The Empire was forced to close for four weeks last year after its licence was suspended following two violent incidents. Since then, the venue brought in a swathe of new security features, as seen here.

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