16 Years at Downtown in Business – A Journey Through Change
03/09/2025
This week I celebrated 16 years at Downtown in Business – and what a journey it has been.
Hospitality Action
28/08/2025
In this week’s blog, Steven Hesketh shines a light upon Hospitality Action. Hospitality Action are there for chefs, bartenders, housekeepers, porters, managers, across hotels, restaurants, pubs, cafés, schools, hospitals and event venues, whenever life gets tough.
What’s next for the Business of Football?
27/08/2025
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.
Immigration is Good for Britain – But We Need to Manage It Better
21/08/2025
Simple slogans such as ‘Stop the Boats’, ‘Smash the Gangs’, and ‘Just send them Back’ are no substitute for a serious debate on the pros – and cons – of immigration. This complex area of policy has been weaponised by Nigel Farage – and sadly some within the official opposition have jumped on the populist bandwagon too – despite several of them being, at least in part, responsible for the mess immigration policy finds itself in the UK. Frank McKenna offers his thoughts on an issue that attracts many slogans – but few practical solutions.
A week in America | 19 August 2025
20/08/2025
This week, Martin reflects on the Alaska Summit between Putin and Trump. While no meaningful outcomes for peace in Ukraine emerged, there were big moves in diplomacy, international relations and global systems and institutions…
Deva Fest 2025: What a Whirlwind!
14/08/2025
In this week’s blog Steven Hesketh reflects on the success of DevaFest 2025.
TRIPLE LOCK TERRORISTS?
13/08/2025
In this week’s blog Jo examines the arrests of hundreds in Parliament Square for holding signs backing Palestine Action, now a proscribed terrorist group, and the criticism that such laws criminalise peaceful protest while doing nothing to help Palestinians.
A Love Letter to Independents
13/08/2025
In this week’s blog Steven Hesketh encourages people to support local and independent hotels in order to keep hospitality human.
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.
A week in America | 6 August 2025
07/08/2025
This week, Martin reviews a summer of sports in the US – and the challenges global games face in building a presence in the world’s largest sports media market.
First Impressions: The Make-or-Break Moment in Hospitality
31/07/2025
In this week’s blog, Steven reflects on why first impressions in hospitality matter—from your building’s look to your website’s feel. Small details create a welcoming vibe that keeps guests coming back.
A Wealth Tax Would Kill Enterprise – and Bring LESS Cash Into the Treasury
31/07/2025
In his latest blog, Frank McKenna explains why a Wealth Tax would be a disaster for Growth—and leave the Treasury worse off.