In this week’s blog, Martin examines the growing gap between America’s economic headlines and how people actually feel. Despite strong GDP figures and soaring markets, households remain squeezed by stubborn prices, rising unemployment, and fragile confidence. As Trump marks his first year back in office, Martin unpacks why voters are increasingly frustrated — and how this disconnect could shape the 2026 midterms.
Simple slogans such as ‘Stop the Boats’, ‘Smash the Gangs’, and ‘Just send them Back’ are no substitute for a serious debate on the pros – and cons – of immigration. This complex area of policy has been weaponised by Nigel Farage – and sadly some within the official opposition have jumped on the populist bandwagon too – despite several of them being, at least in part, responsible for the mess immigration policy finds itself in the UK. Frank McKenna offers his thoughts on an issue that attracts many slogans – but few practical solutions.
The strategy has been described by Downtown as “a strong starting point”.
This week Martin is elated to have something other than the election to write about. Sadly though, it is the news that the nation is hurtling towards recession. But what does that mean and how are regular Americans feeling?
Did you know that the hospitality industry is the unsung hero of the UK economy and wider world?
The ‘Triple Lock’ is economic folly according to DIB boss Frank McKenna. In his latest blog, he explains why – and warns that the retirement age could be heading into a whole new stratosphere.
It has been a rough couple of years for both the UK economy as a whole and the commercial property sector in general, with volatile interest rates and inflation affecting both property prices and rental yields throughout the sector.
Here’s the latest politics podcast from Frank and Jim. Topics covered include Liz Truss’ political comeback, Labour’s business charm offensive a DIB parliamentary reception review and more.
This week Martin looks at the raft of economic data being shared about the US economy and wonders what it all means…
In the next week, America’s businesses are set to report how Q1 2023 has mapped out, and what it will tell us for all of our economic fortunes… Martin looks at the trends and what he is hearing from businesses in the US.
A major Downtown conference last week was told there was a need for a major reform of the way the government is funding levelling up. Jim was in Birmingham and summaries the event. He also asks just how will did Labour actually do in recent North West by elections?
Brexit isn’t working. Frank McKenna’s latest Downtown blog.
