With new powers for mayors and combined authorities firmly on the agenda, this is a timely discussion on how the evolving devolution landscape could shape regional economies, investment decisions, and growth opportunities.
On Tuesday 20th January 2026, Downtown in Business was pleased to host the Powering the North: Devolution Lunch at Malmaison, Manchester, convening senior leaders from Lancashire, Cheshire and Greater Manchester for a focused and constructive roundtable discussion.
Downtown in Business has welcomed the launch of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority Shadow Board — a key milestone in delivering devolution and unlocking £650m of investment across the region.
Cheshire East Council has voted to support plans for a Mayoral Combined Authority across Cheshire and Warrington.
Private sector lobby group Downtown in Business has urged political leaders to put aside their differences and ensure Cheshire and Warrington are at the forefront of the new era of devolved power and economic opportunity.
In a dynamic and thought-provoking event Lancashire County Councillor Aidy Riggott and Simon Lawrence, Director of Growth and Regeneration, spearheaded discussions on the Lancashire Devolution Proposal.
The Group chair and chief executive of Downtown in Business Frank McKenna has cautiously welcomed the ‘Level 2’ devolution deal announced in the Chancellor’s recent
Jim feels Labour have a chance of regaining seats in Scotland because of the Scot Nats poor record on services for which their new leader must take some of the blame.He also reports on a major shake up in local government in Cumbria.
Long-serving chief executive at Warrington Borough Council, Vice Chairman of Rugby Super League Club Warrington Wolves, and early adopter and supporter of Downtown in Business, Prof. Steven Broomhead joins Downtown CEO Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den.
The defection of the Bury South MP to Labour has only served to prop up Boris Johnson according to Jim. But his blog this week focuses on Lancashire’s unusual bid for devolution and the challenge faced by small businesses by Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone.
Will the new Minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government progress the devolution agenda – or has the King of the North put the Tories off Mayors?
Has levelling up the North been abandoned? Is the government spooked by voters in Amersham? Jim looks at the prospects for real money and power being devolved to our cities, towns and countryside.
