From “Letter Box” to Christchurch
21/03/2019
This week Jim urges populist politicians to curb the rhetoric after the dreadful events in New Zealand. He also reflects on turbulent times exactly forty years ago.
MIPIM 2019
21/03/2019
Downtown in Business attended MIPIM 2019 in Cannes. The property festival was celebrating its thirtieth year and over 25,000 delegates descended on the south of France.
Answer my question Mr Farage
14/03/2019
As the Brexit crisis reaches a climax at Westminster, Jim challenges Nigel Farage to answer a question he dodged from him in Chester. Would he have accepted a decision to Remain? He also suggests the Chancellor is on borrowed time despite a strong economy.
Women in Business – Happy international Women’s Day
08/03/2019
Downtown Director, Chris McKenna, celebrates International Women’s Day by reflecting on a few of the women who have inspired him throughout his nine years at Downtown.
Have Women broken the political glass ceiling?
07/03/2019
On International Women’s Day Frank McKenna asks, ‘Have women broken the political glass ceiling?’
End of uncertainty
06/03/2019
Jim asks if next week MPs will give business some certainty by finally accepting the EU Deal. He also looks at how the hard left is taking over local government in parts of the North.
Business voice needed to get devo back on track
28/02/2019
Has the government given up on devolution or can business get it back on track? Frank McKenna calls for action on the powerhouse and the engine in his latest Downtown blog.
EU deal on March 12th?
28/02/2019
This week Jim speculates that the possibility of a People’s Vote or an extension of the Brexit wrangle, might force MPs to back May’s deal on March 12th. He also looks at the skills gap facing digital industries in the North.
Right move… wrong time
21/02/2019
This week Jim asks if defecting MPs have added a confusing element to the mounting crisis over Brexit. He also warns the Independents to avoid an arrogant approach to the Liberal Democrats.
A disease without any cure?
21/02/2019
In his latest Downtown blog Frank McKenna reflects on the defections from the Labour and Conservative parties this week.
Questions over HS2 and Fracking
14/02/2019
This week Jim asks whether two major investment projects have a future, HS2 and fracking for gas in Lancashire. He also casts doubt on nuclear power investment as the government seems to be relying on ever cheaper renewable resources