Downtown in Business proudly sponsored the opening day of the Qube Liverpool International Tennis Tournament on Thursday, turning the 13th of June into ‘Downtown Day’ at this prestigious event! The tournament, in its 22nd year, is a highlight for the business community in Liverpool and attracts tennis enthusiasts from across the region.
It was a very special day for Downtown, as not only have we been working with Anders Borg and the team at Northern Vision behind the tournament since it began, but it was also our 21st Birthday!
What better way to celebrate than with old friends, back where it all began?! Cheers to us!
After a drinks reception where the Downtown team were well and truly spoilt on our special day, with excellent hospitality from the catering team, there was plenty of opportunity for networking and some fantastic live music to kick The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament off with a bang! There was a real buzz in the air as professionals from various organisations mingled, sharing insights and forging connections.
After a truly scrumptious three-course lunch, we were all looking forward to some quality tennis, including a match between three times Wimbledon doubles champion and former world number one, Neal Skupski and his brother Ken Skupski, a Commonwealth Games silver and bronze medallist.
Unfortunately, the great British weather had other plans… but we didn’t let the rain dampen our spirits!
Instead of the planned tennis matches, there was a chance to hear from some of the brilliant Liverpool-based organisations and charities who helped make the event possible.
Downtown’s own Frank McKenna had the chance to share his reflections on 21 years in business and spoke on how far Liverpool has come in the past two decades as well as sharing his hopes for the future of growth and regeneration in the region.
We also heard from The Liverpool University Hospitals Charity who shared some of the fantastic services they have been able to provide for those who need it most and explained some of the brilliant fundraising efforts they have been undertaking in the region.
There were also speeches from representatives from LTSB, a Social Mobility Youth Employment Charity doing phenomenal work in Liverpool to help young people achieve their career goals. We heard from some of the inspiring young people they have helped start out on their career paths.
It was great to hear from the headline sponsors of the Tennis Tournament themselves Qube Residential on their work and why they feel the Tennis Tournament is such an important event for the business community in Liverpool.
Over afternoon Tea, (accompanied by a talented magician doing the rounds of the tables!) guests had further chance to network with fellow professionals, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations. The camaraderie and sense of community were palpable, as individuals from diverse companies came together to celebrate their shared values and vision for Liverpool. It was great to see so many companies with a mutual commitment to promoting youth engagement and initiatives to drive growth and prosperity in the Liverpool region.
Downtown in Business CEO, Frank Mckenna, expressed his pride at being able to support the event and Downtown’s continuing relationship with Northern Vision, emphasising the unique experience the tennis tournament offers to DIB members as well as its resonating with Downtown’s values.
He said: “Downtown Day has been an opportunity for our members to enjoy top-tier sporting entertainment and exceptional hospitality. Downtown’s sponsorship of the Qube Liverpool International Tennis Tournament underscores its commitment to supporting sports initiatives and fostering community engagement.”
The event concluded on a high note as the party was far from over, with a coach arriving to pick up the Downtown team and friends to take us on to DIB’s 21st-anniversary party! We spent a very jolly coach ride reflecting on a day filled with great food and even greater company! As the sun set on Downtown Day, we hope our members departed with a renewed sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future collaborations.
Downtown in Business looks forward to continuing its partnership with Northern Vision and supporting initiatives that promote community engagement and sports participation in Liverpool and beyond. With Downtown and other’s unwavering support, the Qube Liverpool International Tennis Tournament promises to remain a highlight of the corporate calendar for years to come.
