This week I celebrated 16 years at Downtown in Business – and what a journey it has been.
When I joined the organisation back in 2009, the political and economic landscape looked vastly different. Over the years, we have grown as a business, hosted thousands of events, expanded into new regions, and built an incredible network. But alongside that professional journey, I have also seen huge shifts across politics, the economy, media and sport – both locally and nationally.
Politics & the Economy
In 2009, Gordon Brown was Prime Minister and Britain was emerging from the global financial crash. Since then, we have seen seven different prime ministers, a coalition government, and of course the seismic impact of Brexit. Add in a global pandemic that reshaped the way we live and work, and the ongoing debates about levelling up, devolution, and economic growth across our cities – it has been a turbulent but fascinating period.
Locally, our major cities have transformed. New leadership structures, metro mayors, which Downtown in Business championed for years, investment zones, and regeneration projects have redefined places like Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, and beyond. The skylines have changed, new industries have emerged, and Downtown has been at the heart of those conversations – bringing the public and private sector together.
Geopolitics
Globally, the past 16 years have been just as eventful. The rise of Donald Trump in the US, Brexit reshaping the UK’s relationship with Europe, and conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and Gaza have all created ripple effects that businesses and communities have had to navigate. Shifts in global power, from the growth of China to debates around energy and security, have made geopolitics a defining backdrop to the work we do.
Football
In football, we have seen fairytales and heartbreaks. Leicester City lifting the Premier League title, Liverpool finally winning the league after 30 years, England reaching a men’s Euros final and a women’s Euros victory that inspired a generation.
Football ownership has also shifted dramatically, with overseas investors reshaping the Premier League landscape, transforming clubs into global brands. And the rise of documentaries on Amazon Prime and Netflix has taken the game off the pitch, with stories like Wrexham capturing the imagination of fans worldwide.
And then, of course, there’s Everton. Sixteen years on, still no trophy to polish – but at least we have moved into a stunning new stadium on the banks of the Mersey. A new chapter begins for the Blues, and like many supporters, I am hopeful the next 16 years deliver some long-overdue silverware.
Media and Communications
The way we consume information has been transformed. In 2009, social media was still in its infancy, podcasts were niche, and traditional media dominated the news cycle. Fast forward to today, and platforms like Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok shape political debate, influence business decisions, and set cultural trends in real time. Podcasts have become mainstream, creating new opportunities for thought leadership, while streaming has changed how we watch, listen, and engage. For organisations like Downtown, this shift has been huge – giving us new ways to connect, communicate, and share ideas with our community, as well as launching our own political podcast.
Looking Ahead
They say a week is a long time in politics – so sixteen years is a lifetime. It has been a privilege to play a small part in shaping the conversations that matter to businesses and communities through Downtown in Business.
If the last 16 years have taught me anything, it is that change is constant, and those who adapt, innovate, and collaborate will thrive. I am proud of what we have achieved so far, and I am excited for what is next.
If you have never been apart of the Downtown network the past 16 years, there is no better time to get involved. Drop me a note on [email protected] if you want to find out more.
