Sir Richard Leese was DIBs guest in the very first ‘Downtown Den’ Live event. The leader of Manchester City Council was joined by twenty business leaders and discussed a whole range of issues with DIB CEO Frank McKenna, including the city’s response to the crisis, planning for the future, the Northern Powerhouse and devolution, the climate emergency and much more.
Downtown in Business

EP.105 | NHS Strikes – A win for Wes?
NHS strikes VAT on private healthcare, the Online Safety Act, Trump tariffs and Epstein, Gaza and Palestine.

EP.106 | What will Rachel do in the Autumn Budget?
An interest rate cut may have given Chancellor Rachel Reeves a little respite this week, but an independent economic report suggests that she has a £50 billion hole to fill if she’s to hit her own fiscal targets. What options does she have?

EP.107 | In Conversation with Dame Louise Ellman
DIB Boss, Frank McKenna, caught up with Dame Louise Ellman in the Downtown Den.

Aston University
We are delighted that Aston University are our latest business of the week. They are one of the UK’s most respected institutions. Aston University is internationally recognised for its excellence in research, world-class teaching, and strong collaborations with industry, government, and commerce.