Labour is Keir’s party now
12/10/2023
Frank McKenna reflects on this week’s Labour Party conference in Liverpool.
Keir bulldozing Tamworth and Mid Beds!
12/10/2023
The voters verdict on the party conference season will come in next week’s two by elections. Jim looks back on the Liverpool gathering and asks if Sir Keir Starmer has taken a gamble on housing.
An afternoon with Hawksmoor & Aston Martin
12/10/2023
Downtown in Business event manager, Beth McKenna, was recently invited to an exclusive test drive and dining experience with Hawskmoor Liverpool and Aston Martin.
A week in America | 6 October 2023
06/10/2023
This week Martin looks at the commercial success of one of Merseyside’s top football teams through the lens of US sport. Finding brand value is more than letting the highest bidder slap a logo on your shirt, he argues…
Labour: Ming vase or firm pledges?
05/10/2023
How will Labour respond to another extraordinary Tory conference. Jim doesn’t think they can restore HS2 but what about some bold policies on social care and housing?
A train crash of a conference – with post truth in clear sight
05/10/2023
Frank McKenna reflects on the Conservatives week in Manchester.
Tale of Two Cities
28/09/2023
This week, Martin contrasts the fortunes of the two Birminghams. Perhaps the UK’s civic leaders would benefit from learning from their US namesakes.
HS2 is not a nice to have – it is a must have
28/09/2023
Frank McKenna’s thoughts on the latest controversies surrounding HS2.
Smart politics or green cowardice?
21/09/2023
The Prime Minister’s U turn on green policies might be pragmatic politics, but Jim argues its bad for business craving certainty and the poor old planet.
Bold Labour? Don’t hold your breath
21/09/2023
Rishi Sunak may look like a dead man walking. However, don’t expect the opposition to be celebrating victory anytime soon. Why Labour will remain cautious in the run up to the next election.
Wake Up and Smell the Toffee
14/09/2023
This week Martin follows the rumoured investment in Everton FC from a Florida based investor, and wonders if English football fans are truly ready for the inevitable success which would follow…
Gary Neville: “I won’t be swallowed up by Politics.”
14/09/2023
Read Jim’s comprehensive report on Downtown’s highly successful Business of Sport conference. Gary Neville talks frankly about sport and business and why politics is not for him. Jim reports on other contibutions including a football agent and progress on developments at top North West sporting stadia.