Andy Burnham has had a meteoric week – Leader of Labour, Prime Minister, Opening Number 10 North… But this week may throw up some significant challenges… Martin Liptrot, Downtown’s Director of Strategy and Partnerships looks forward to what the next 5 days may reveal ..
As the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy reaches its first anniversary, we asked Martin Liptrot, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at Downtown, for his assessment of what has become one of the Labour administration’s most significant economic policy initiatives.
In this week’s blog, Martin Liptrot draws parallels between football and politics, exploring what Andy Burnham’s leadership ambitions can learn from England, Scotland, and the pressures of managing expectations.
In this week’s blog, Martin Liptrot explores what cities can learn from the world of books. Reflecting on MIPIM, he highlights the importance of a clear identity, focused messaging and authentic storytelling in helping places stand out and attract investment.
As the US administration shifts to an ever more ‘isolationist’ stance – Martin asks: ‘What does this mean for UK and European businesses?’
This week Martin looks forward to the Gorton and Denton by-election and sees parallels to the rise of the populist movement MAGA in the United States…
In this week’s blog, Martin reflects on a year dominated by lone actors and fractured trust—and asks whether 2026 could mark a return to collaboration, partnership, and shared purpose.
In this week’s blog, Martin examines the growing gap between America’s economic headlines and how people actually feel. Despite strong GDP figures and soaring markets, households remain squeezed by stubborn prices, rising unemployment, and fragile confidence. As Trump marks his first year back in office, Martin unpacks why voters are increasingly frustrated — and how this disconnect could shape the 2026 midterms.
This week, Martin spent a day watching American democracy unfold live on television – votes, counter votes, scandals and shutdowns – and a healthy portion of financial sweeteners too.
This week, Martin looks at the US Government Shutdown, its impact and the remarkable plans the President and his administration are pushing to clear the US debt…
Back in Britain for a couple of weeks, Martin readies himself for the Labour Party conference. But having witnessed President Trump’s carefully choreographed UK State Visit, he wonders if rowdy conferences and noisy mass membership parties have much of a future?
In this week’s blog, Martin reflects on the future of the game as the Business of Football conference takes place in Liverpool on Friday 29th August. With the Premier League now a $12bn global powerhouse and half its clubs under US ownership, the tension between English football’s traditions and American-style franchise stability is sharper than ever.
