Did Tigger bounce too soon?
28/03/2019
Timing is everything in politics. Frank McKenna asks did the Independent Group launch too soon? He also reflects on the latest Brexit shenanigans in his latest Downtown blog.
Answer my question Mr Farage
14/03/2019
As the Brexit crisis reaches a climax at Westminster, Jim challenges Nigel Farage to answer a question he dodged from him in Chester. Would he have accepted a decision to Remain? He also suggests the Chancellor is on borrowed time despite a strong economy.
End of uncertainty
06/03/2019
Jim asks if next week MPs will give business some certainty by finally accepting the EU Deal. He also looks at how the hard left is taking over local government in parts of the North.
EU deal on March 12th?
28/02/2019
This week Jim speculates that the possibility of a People’s Vote or an extension of the Brexit wrangle, might force MPs to back May’s deal on March 12th. He also looks at the skills gap facing digital industries in the North.
Labour is relying on TINA
07/02/2019
Frank McKenna suggests that Jeremy Corbyn may live to regret taking pro EU-Labour supporters votes for granted in his latest Downtown blog.
When Did ‘Compromise’ Become a Dirty Word?
31/01/2019
In his latest Downtown blog, Frank McKenna says that ‘compromise’ should be seen as a positive quality – and is the only thing that can stop the UK from ‘crashing out’ of the EU.
New Western Union Business Solutions FX report reveals how Brexit uncertainty could be harming the UK’s £1.9 trillion SME market
29/01/2019
As UK and EU officials prepare to meet in Brussels this month to forge a divorce deal agreement, Fortune 500 global payments company Western Union
Beyond Brexit
24/01/2019
Downtown boss Frank McKenna urges business leaders to start thinking about life Beyond Brexit – and what demands we should be making of the new political leaders that emerge from the Brexit shambles.
May’s deal is still in play
24/01/2019
Jim reckons the real prospect of MPs forcing a delay in Brexit, could help Mrs May get her deal. He also reveals the vital role of a Polish curfew in the decision to leave the EU!
Painful or pointless: Call it off
17/01/2019
This week Jim calls on pro EU Cabinet Ministers to force Mrs May to negotiate openly with the Opposition parties that she has shut out so far.
Time for business to take the gloves off
10/01/2019
The business community has been abandoned by politicians. It is time to remind them who creates the wealth and jobs, and demand more support. That is the message from Downtown boss Frank McKenna in his first blog of 2019.
Can May possibly get her deal through?
10/01/2019
Against the odds Jim sill thinks Mrs May’s EU deal can prevail in some form. With no agreement on any other options, he forecasts a last minute appeal to Brussels to compromise on the Backstop could see her through eventually.