Toughing it out
15/12/2022
The government seems to have decided to tough it out as multiple strikes hit the country. Jim is critical of both parties approach to the problem that has echoes in the last century.
Trains are on strike – How can you tell?
15/12/2022
The rail Unions have announced a series of strikes during the Christmas period. But, such has been the chaotic state of the railways in the north of England for months now, Frank McKenna asks ‘how can we tell?’
Downtown Den Season Two – Winning Women
14/12/2022
The Downtown Den podcast will return in the New Year – with season two focussing on successful female leaders from across the country.
Birmingham Business Raises £64,000 donation for Homeless Support Service
12/12/2022
SIFA Fireside’s Michael McMillan, Melissa Roche, Natalie Allen with Colemans’ Mark Coleman Birmingham demolition contractor Colemans celebrated 60 years in business with a £64,000 donation to local charity.
Jim Hancock: A life in politics
09/12/2022
In this episode, Downtown boss Frank McKenna chats with our Political Editor Jim Hancock as he takes us on a whirlwind tour of his career covering politics across the UK for over five decades.
Flexible working to be a day one right to request – happy or not?
08/12/2022
The Government have announced their plan to make flexible working a day one right to request. Here Victoria outlines everything you need to know about the changes.
Nearly there Gordon!
08/12/2022
Gordon Brown is back….with a raft of ideas for scrapping the Lords and giving a lot more power to the North. But Jim asks what priority will it have in a Labour government?He also previews the latest North West by election, this time in Stretford and Urmston.
Pete Price: Larger than life
02/12/2022
Renowned for his larger-than-life personality, in this episode of the Downtown Den, Pete Price candidly discusses both the highlights and dark times from his life and the lessons he has learnt along the way.
Starmer for PM – What could possibly go wrong?
01/12/2022
Keir Starmer looks set to win the next General Election. What could possibly go wrong?
A week in America | 1 December 2022
01/12/2022
Martin looks at how tax raising powers are changing how and where America goes to work…
DIB is hosting TWO major national conferences in 2023
01/12/2022
Downtown in Business is set to host TWO national conferences in 2023. Join us in February 23 for our second annual ‘Talking ‘Bout Regeneration’ conference and in March 23 we will host the inaugural ‘Change Makers Live’ conference.
Still in the sidings
01/12/2022
The northern mayors described their talks with the Transport Minister this week as “positive”. Jim prefers to differ. He fears short term misery and long term frustration for the travelling public. He also updates us on devolution moves in Lancashire and Cheshire.