
EP.121 | Pre-Budget Shambles
Jim, Jo and Kevin discuss the shambolic run-up to the Budget, with persistent challenges to the Prime Minister’s leadership still far from over – forming the main agenda items for this week’s Downtown Den podcast.

Jim, Jo and Kevin discuss the shambolic run-up to the Budget, with persistent challenges to the Prime Minister’s leadership still far from over – forming the main agenda items for this week’s Downtown Den podcast.

Downtown in Business has urged the government to think again on its sweeping employment law reforms, warning that this week’s double whammy of announcements – UK unemployment hitting a four-year high, and growth at a disappointing 0.1% in the last quarter, is a flashing red light the Treasury cannot afford to ignore.

Downtown in Business has slammed the Bank of England for once again ducking the opportunity to inject desperately needed momentum into the UK economy, after the Monetary Policy Committee chose to hold interest rates at 4% this week—despite mounting evidence of economic fragility.

On Thursday 13th November 2025, Downtown in Business hosted an exclusive Leader’s Lunch with Caroline Simpson, Group Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

Downtown in Business was delighted to host a special farewell dinner on Tuesday 11th November 2025 celebrating the outstanding career of Steve Broomhead at the beautiful Hope Street Hotel in Liverpool.

Up for discussion this week is the BBC’s latest crisis, Deputy Prime Minsister David Lammy’s PMQ’s appearance, Rachel Reeves’ pre budget scene setter speech and are there any point in COPs?

On Thursday 6th November 2025, Downtown in Business hosted an exclusive Leaders’ Lunch with Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, at Malmaison Manchester Piccadilly.

Downtown in Business has welcomed the launch of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board — a key milestone in delivering devolution and unlocking £650m of investment across the region.

On Tuesday 4th November 2025 Downtown in Business hosted the Change Makers Live Summit at Aston University , bringing together senior leaders from business, policy, and academia to explore how innovation, governance, and technology are driving the West Midlands’ economic future.

Frank, Jim, Jo and Kevin discuss the country’s racism problem, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the Chancellor’s housing issue, and reflect on Kemi Badenoch’s one year as leader of the Tories.

In this captivating conversation DIB boss Frank McKenna, Jan shares her career and journey in hospitality, some of the advice she would give to anyone looking to join the hospitality industry and explains her role in the hotel.

The Downtown in Business Cheshire & North Wales Business Awards celebrate the people and organisations making that success happen.