WHAT THE FU*K IS LABOUR DOING?
20/11/2025
It is time for the Labour government – and Labour MPs – to grow up.
DIB Hosts Steve Rotheram: Insights on Growth, Skills and Innovation
20/11/2025
On Tuesday 18th November 2025, Downtown in Business were delighted to welcome guests to the Pullman Hotel in Liverpool for the latest event in our ‘In Conversation With’ series, featuring Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
EP.121 | Pre-Budget Shambles
17/11/2025
Jim, Jo and Kevin discuss the shambolic run-up to the Budget, with persistent challenges to the Prime Minister’s leadership still far from over – forming the main agenda items for this week’s Downtown Den podcast.
How the Conservatives Can Stop the Slide — and Start Winning Again
13/11/2025
Kemi Badenoch celebrated her first year as Tory Party leader this week. Despite a good conference speech and some impressive performances in recent week’s at PMQs, the Leader of the Opposition’s party are still languishing in the polls. Frank McKenna offers some suggestions as to how the Conservatives can make a comeback.
DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS WARNS: RISING UNEMPLOYMENT AND SLUGGISH GROWTH SHOWS LABOUR MUST RETHINK ITS EMPLOYMENT LAW AGENDA
13/11/2025
Downtown in Business has urged the government to think again on its sweeping employment law reforms, warning that this week’s double whammy of announcements – UK unemployment hitting a four-year high, and growth at a disappointing 0.1% in the last quarter, is a flashing red light the Treasury cannot afford to ignore.
DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS CRITICISES BANK OF ENGLAND’S “TIMID” APPROACH AS DAMAGING TO UK GROWTH
13/11/2025
Downtown in Business has slammed the Bank of England for once again ducking the opportunity to inject desperately needed momentum into the UK economy, after the Monetary Policy Committee chose to hold interest rates at 4% this week—despite mounting evidence of economic fragility.
Historic Warrington Soap Factory to Become Cutting-Edge AI Data Centre
13/11/2025
A 130-year-old former Unilever factory at Bank Quay, once a cornerstone of Warrington’s proud soap-making heritage, is set to be transformed into a state-of-the-art data centre powering the UK’s growing artificial intelligence economy.
Downtown in Business Hosts Exclusive Leader’s Lunch with Caroline Simpson
13/11/2025
On Thursday 13th November 2025, Downtown in Business hosted an exclusive Leader’s Lunch with Caroline Simpson, Group Chief Executive of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
A Week in America | 12 November 2025
13/11/2025
This week, Martin spent a day watching American democracy unfold live on television – votes, counter votes, scandals and shutdowns – and a healthy portion of financial sweeteners too.
Wake Up, Lead Up
13/11/2025
Hospitality’s wobbling. Too many teams are on autopilot, margins are thin, and guests can feel it.
Alice’s Parlour – A Whimsical New Dining Experience
13/11/2025
Nestled in the heart of Oddfellows on Lower Bridge Street, this enchanting new restaurant invites guests to enjoy locally sourced, seasonal dishes created by our dedicated team of chefs.