EP.107 | In Conversation with Dame Louise Ellman
13/08/2025
DIB Boss, Frank McKenna, caught up with Dame Louise Ellman in the Downtown Den.
EP.106 | What will Rachel do in the Autumn Budget?
13/08/2025
An interest rate cut may have given Chancellor Rachel Reeves a little respite this week, but an independent economic report suggests that she has a £50 billion hole to fill if she’s to hit her own fiscal targets. What options does she have?
DIB strengthens partner proposition with senior appointment
07/08/2025
Downtown in Business is pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Colwell as Strategic Partnerships Director.
A Dark Anniversary
07/08/2025
As we mark the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima, Jim reflects on the current nuclear threat and discussions about what is proportionate in the face of aggression whether it be from the Japanese or Hamas.
EP.105 | NHS Strikes – A win for Wes?
05/08/2025
NHS strikes VAT on private healthcare, the Online Safety Act, Trump tariffs and Epstein, Gaza and Palestine.
EP.104 | Doctors Dispute Drama
29/07/2025
With Frank still away, Jim, Jo, and Kevin tackle the doctors dispute and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch’s pledge to ban strikes. They’ll also weigh up the likelihood of serious disorder during the hot summer nights around asylum hotels
Downtown in Business Directors Attend Westminster Event with Make UK and Heathrow Airport
24/07/2025
Downtown in Business (DIB) directors Frank McKenna and Chris McKenna joined senior business leaders and policymakers in Westminster last week for a special event hosted by Make UK and Heathrow Airport.
West Midlands to Showcase Ambitious Growth Strategy at DIB Parliamentary Reception
23/07/2025
On Monday 15th September 2025 Downtown in Business, in collaboration with the West Midlands Combined Authority, will host a high-profile Parliamentary Reception on the iconic Terrace at the House of Commons to present the region’s Growth Plan
EP.103 | Water Scandals, Voting Age & Labour Rebels
22/07/2025
With Frank and Jim away, Jo and Kevin take charge of this week’s Downtown Den Politics, unpacking the latest developments from Westminster and beyond.
THE WEST MIDLANDS IN WESTMINSTER : DIB TO HOST PARLIAMENTARY RECEPTION WITH MAYOR PARKER
17/07/2025
Downtown in Business (DIB), in partnership with the West Midlands Combined Authority, will host a high-profile Parliamentary Reception on Monday 15th September to showcase the region’s ambitious Economic Growth Strategy.
KEIR’S FIRST YEAR
17/07/2025
Downtown in Business group chair and chief executive Frank McKenna offers his reflections on a special Labour Party reception hosted in London this week.
LEANNE CAMPBELL TO HOST ‘LIVERCOOL ‘25
17/07/2025
Star of stage, screen, and radio, Liverpool icon Leanne Campbell, will be joining Downtown in Business to host the 23rd annual ‘Livercool’ gala awards dinner on 20th November, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.