Northern Power Towns Group Welcomes Boost to Rail Infrastructure
15/01/2026
Downtown in Business partner, The Northern Power Towns group, have welcomed the government’s latest announcement for rail investment.
“Lancashire Must Get Out of Its Own Way” – Downtown in Business Warns of Barriers Holding Back the County’s Growth
15/01/2026
Downtown in Business group chair and chief executive Frank McKenna has warned that Lancashire risks “missing its moment” unless political leaders across the county urgently address the long-standing structural barriers that continue to stifle economic growth, inward investment, and the wider regional economy.
Business Rates Change Is Welcome — But If It Leaves Hospitality Worse Off, It Has Failed
08/01/2026
In a special joint blog with Liverpool Business Improvement District boss, Bill Addy, Frank discusses the governments Business Rates Change and asks how it will affect the hospitality industry.
An open letter to the Chancellor : Business Rates Change Must Go Further – Or the High Street Pays the Price
08/01/2026
Downtown in Business and Liverpool Business Improvement District have written an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer raising serious concerns about the current design of business rates reform.
Liverpool Business Improvement District and Downtown in Business launch national campaign to “Unlock Britain’s Visitor Economy”
05/01/2026
The campaign will bring together business leaders, BIDs, hotels, retailers, cultural venues, and parliamentarians to press government for a more pro-growth, business-led approach to supporting the visitor economy.
Bumper Christmas getaway expected at LJLA
18/12/2025
Once again, passengers are reminded that hand luggage restrictions remain in place.
Season 5. Episode 5. | Hospitality | Hyatt Regency & INNSiDE By Meliá
12/12/2025
In this episode DIB boss Frank McKenna chats with Sarah Matts from Hyatt Regency in Manchester and Annabel Lax from INNSiDE By Meliá Manchester.
Bowker Motor Group Confirms New Partnership with Changan
10/12/2025
The Changan showroom will be located in the former BMW Motorrad dealership on the docks in Preston.
Two major firms join zoo’s campaign for sustainable palm oil
05/12/2025
Two UK food giants have committed to protecting the world’s forests by becoming Sustainable Palm Oil Ambassadors.
Season 5. Episode 4. | Hospitality | Sefton Collection
05/12/2025
In this captivating discussion with DIB boss Frank McKenna, Conor O’Donovan, CEO at the Sefton Collection, explains how he got involved in the industry, his highs and lows and what he learned from the experiences.
Former England women’s footballer, first female UK Ambassador to the US and TV journalist to be recognised
04/12/2025
University of Lancashire to confer Honorary Fellowships on Rachel Brown-Finnis, Dame Karen Pierce DCMG and Krishnan Guru-Murthy
Bowker Motor Group Announces New Partnership with Chery Automobile
04/12/2025
The new Chery showroom will be located in the former BMW Motorrad dealership on the docks in Preston.