A powerhouse year of influence, leadership, and business–political engagement across the UK
Downtown in Business has announced its most ambitious and wide-ranging events programme to date, with a blockbuster line-up of major conferences, parliamentary receptions, and high-profile awards ceremonies set to take place across the UK in 2026.
The organisation — recognised as one of the most influential business networks in the country — will deliver a series of flagship events aimed at connecting the private sector with senior political decision-makers and driving forward national conversations on growth, regeneration, leadership, and the future of the UK economy.
The 2026 programme includes:
- February: The Great North Art of Hospitality Conference
- March: Women in Business Awards & MIPIM in Cannes
- April: Northern Power Towns Parliamentary Reception, Westminster
- May: UKREiiF in Leeds
- June: Liverpool City Region Parliamentary Reception, Westminster & Cheshire and North Wales Business Awards
- July: City of Liverpool Business Awards
- September: City of Manchester Business Awards
- October: City of Birmingham Business Awards
- November: The Livercool Awards
- Plus two national blockbusters: the National Property Summit and the Change Makers Live Summit.
Complementing these showcase occasions will be a nationwide programme of more than 100 breakfast forums, leaders’ lunches and private roundtable dinners, providing members with unrivalled access to leading voices in local, regional, and national government, alongside CEOs, investors, and senior private-sector influencers. These focused sessions will ensure that 2026 is not just a year of major set-piece events, but a continuous pipeline of high-value engagement, insight, and opportunity.
Frank McKenna, CEO of Downtown in Business, commented: “2026 is going to be a huge year for the UK — politically, economically, and socially — and Downtown in Business intends to make sure our members are at the heart of the action. This is our biggest and most strategically important programme yet. From Westminster to the regions, from international showcases
like MIPIM to our flagship awards, we’ll be championing business, shaping the agenda, and creating the connections that drive growth.”
He added: “What sets Downtown apart is our ability to blend the big moments with constant, meaningful engagement. Our major conferences and receptions make the headlines, but it’s the 100+ roundtables, breakfasts and leaders’ lunches where real influence is built. We’re proud to offer a platform that genuinely moves the dial.”
With new devolved powers emerging, and renewed national focus on growth and regeneration, Downtown in Business believes its 2026 calendar comes at a pivotal moment for UK business and politics.
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