4 years on: No EU extension needed
25/06/2020
Four years on from the EU Referendum Jim welcomes the government’s tough line on not extending the transition talks…but there is a twist in his argument.
Back to the Eighties? No thanks
18/06/2020
This week Downtown in Business unveiled its Manifesto for economic Recovery. In his latest blog, Frank McKenna explains why the government needs to think big and be bold if we are to avoid a return to the Eighties – with a nod in the direction (and an apology) to the late, great David Bowie.
Big Changes for Lancashire?
18/06/2020
Could Lancashire be about to make its voice heard alongside Manchester and Liverpool? An elected mayor for the county has come a step closer but it would mean big changes in the complex council structure. Jim examines these issues and speculates on who might get the job.
Labour Danger
11/06/2020
This week Frank McKenna reflects on Keir Starmer’s impressive start to life as Labour leader – but warns that he and the party have a long way to go before winning back the support they need to form a government.
Challenges for business and Black Lives Matter
11/06/2020
Instead of blanking out history, we need to be tackling the hard tasks of improving BAME representation in our boardrooms. That’s the theme of Jim’s blog this wek where he also says there are challenges for the black community and protestors.
DIB Event Roundup: Virtual Roundable with Sheona Southern – Marketing Manchester
05/06/2020
Last week Downtown Manchester in Business hosted a virtual round table discussion with key figures from the Manchester hospitality sector. Lead by Sheona Southern, MD at Marketing Manchester. Our Business Development & Events Co-ordinator, Patrick Gaffney’s give us his summary of the online event.
Baby let me drive my car
04/06/2020
Frank McKenna warns decision makers that a rush to drive motorists out of their vehicles needs to be accompanied by more than an offer of bikes and buses as cities start to draw up their all-important Recovery Plans.
The looting….The shooting…The reckoning
04/06/2020
Can President Trump’s law and order stand win him a second term? Jim asks the question and back at home examines a plan to save well run businesses from going under.
First, they covered up for the advisor, then…?
28/05/2020
In his latest blog Downtown boss Frank McKenna expresses his concerns about where politics in the UK is heading as he reflects on the Dominic Cummings fiasco.
The Dependent Prime Minsiter
28/05/2020
Will the Cummings row just pass into history or inflict permanent damage on the government. That’s the question Jim wrestles with this week, along with a rare criticism of the BBC.
Can Boris bounce back?
21/05/2020
In his latest blog, Frank McKenna warns Boris Johnson that he must find a new way of operating if he is to maintain his position in 10 Downing Street.
No dark sarcasm in the classrom
21/05/2020
Jim calls for squabbling in the classroom to cease as the debate hots up over the return to lessons. He also focuses on the effects on the Merseyside economy of the virus crisis.