


A disgraceful year for the Tories
Jim isn’t filled with much Christmas cheer as he reviews a pretty awful year for the government. He recalls the disaster like an unending drama, but also thinks Labour has much to do to inspire people in 2023.

That was the year that was
Frank McKenna looks back at some of the many Downtown highlights of 2022 in his last blog of the year.

Procure Partnerships Commences £8bn Contractor Framework Renewal
Procure Partnerships Framework is calling for Contractors to register their interest and help shape the structure of the second iteration of their National Contractor Framework, currently structured across 11 sub regional lots.

DIB plans 2023 events bonanza
Three national business conferences, eight gala awards dinners, and an exclusive event at property festival MIPIM will be among the highlights of the Downtown in Business events programme in 2023, as the private sector organisation celebrates its twentieth anniversary.

Eye watering work-Related ill Health Statistics
Victoria takes an in depth look at work-related illness following the publication of the work-related health and safety in Great Britain.

‘Change Makers Live’ Conference 2023
Some of the brightest and most innovative thinkers in the UK will offer their thoughts on the challenges facing business, the economy, and the country, at the inaugural DIB national Business Innovation conference.

Toughing it out
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?
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
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
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
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.