Another networking and lobbying body in Birmingham? Run by an Evertonian!?
Just what we need!
Do you know, it was.
Birmingham is not short of membership bodies for businesses. Many of them do a great job representing and promoting.
Downtown, building on its experience ‘up north’, quickly found its space.
It has a distinctive culture. Younger contributors might say vibe.
In sectors such as property and hospitality, it has proved highly effective.
Downtown comes into its own with entrepreneurs. The business club does a fantastic job for corporates, but it has a special affinity with owner-managers and the challenges they face.
Its secret? Really knowing its members.
Many industry bodies say they bring members together.
Downtown’s value is in connecting members with others and with opportunities.
During the pandemic, Downtown found new ways to connect, lobby and stay relevant when we’d all de-camped to back bedrooms.
Downtown doesn’t have an attitude problem. It has an attitude advantage.
The way it challenges; promotes the cities where it operates and brings the fun give it the edge.
In the week when Liverpool found some kind of form, this Birmingham-based Red is more than happy to wish Downtown in Business many happy returns.
Kevin Johnson is MD of Birmingham-based strategic communications and public affairs firm Urban Communications
