
EP.136 | Trump’s Changing Tune
Frank returns from MIPIM 2026 to join Jim and Jo for this week’s Downtown Den Politics Podcast. They discuss the dramatic shift in messaging from Donald Trump after claiming victory in the conflict with Iran.

Frank returns from MIPIM 2026 to join Jim and Jo for this week’s Downtown Den Politics Podcast. They discuss the dramatic shift in messaging from Donald Trump after claiming victory in the conflict with Iran.

Iran has a new Ayatollah, but is it simply a case of meet the new boss, same as the old boss? With Mojtaba Khamenei stepping into power, questions are growing about whether the US will step back from the conflict or escalate further.

On Tuesday 3rd March 2026 , Downtown in Business hosted our Pre-MIPIM lunch at the beautiful The Lowry Hotel in Greater Manchester bringing together members, partners and key stakeholders ahead of this year’s MIPIM Property festival.

On Thursday 6th March 2026, Downtown in Business, in partnership with Starship, brought together senior investors, developers, policymakers and industry leaders at the Starship Wirral Waters headquarters for a landmark briefing focused on the future of industrialised construction and large-scale regeneration ahead of MIPIM 2026.

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den Politics Podcast, Jim Hancock, Jo Phillips and Martin Liptrot discuss the latest Middle East crisis and the implications for Geo-Politics.

Downtown in Business has teamed up with award-winning HR Consultancy business High Performance Consultancy to respond to the government’s consultation on its latest changes to employment law.

Downtown in Business has added its voice to calls from business leaders in Liverpool and Manchester urging the Government to slow down and rethink proposals for a national tourist tax, warning that rushed policy decisions risk damaging a hospitality sector already under significant pressure.

On Friday 13th February 2026 Downtown in Business hosted a Leaders Lunch with Becca Heron, Strategic Director of Growth and Development at Manchester City Council, at Inside by Meliá Manchester.

Downtown in Business was delighted to host a private dinner with Birmingham City Council on Wednesday 17th February 2026, welcoming Managing Director Joanne Roney CBE to an intimate evening of discussion at the excellent Park Regis Birmingham.

Downtown in Business, the fast-growing, award winning private sector business network has today announced Rob Valentine will join as Chair of their Birmingham and West Midlands office.

Downtown in Business, in partnership with Starship, is bringing together leading investors, developers, city leaders, and innovators for a high-impact briefing ahead of MIPIM — the world’s premier real estate and investment festival.

On Wednesday 11th February 2026 Downtown in Business welcomed senior business leaders and stakeholders to an exclusive Leaders Lunch at Chester Zoo, featuring Steve Purdham, for a wide-ranging discussion on regional growth, innovation and leadership.