Downtown in Business brought together a powerful group of individuals from its network from across the country to gauge their opinions on Rishi Sunak’s Summer Statement and ask them what the Chancellor should be looking to announce in his October budget to get the economy back on track. As you would expect from a panel that included Sir Howard Bernstein, Emma Degg, Henri Murison, Jessica Bowles, Kevin Johnson and more, there was no shortage of debate and discussion. Free car parking in city centres, more resources to local authorities, greater powers to Combined Authorities and more support for our manufacturers and exporters were among the ideas to emerge from this special Downtown ‘Power Panel’.
Downtown Den #096 | What Next Power Panel in the Downtown Den
Downtown in Business brought together a powerful group of individuals from its network from across the country to gauge their opinions on Rishi Sunak’s Summer Statement and ask them what the Chancellor should be looking to announce in his October budget to get the economy back on track.
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.