Downtown in Business Welcomes Labour’s Industrial Strategy – But Urges Government to Go Further
24/06/2025
The strategy has been described by Downtown as “a strong starting point”.
A week in America | 3 August 2024
05/08/2024
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?
The Economic Impact of Hospitality
13/06/2024
Did you know that the hospitality industry is the unsung hero of the UK economy and wider world?
The triple lock is a drag on the economy
28/03/2024
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.
Optimism prevails in the commercial property sector
29/02/2024
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.
The Downtown Den Politics Podcast | 5th February 2024
07/02/2024
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.
A week in America | 2 February 2024
01/02/2024
This week Martin looks at the raft of economic data being shared about the US economy and wonders what it all means…
Dude, It’s all about the money
06/04/2023
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.
End the “Hunger Games”
16/02/2023
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?
Happy Birthday Brexit
02/02/2023
Brexit isn’t working. Frank McKenna’s latest Downtown blog.
A Week in America – 21 October 2022
20/10/2022
In his latest blog, Martin reflects on his experience moderating an Economic Development Summit and gives his advice to others looking to host economic kickstart events.
A week in America | 17 June 2022
17/06/2022
This week Martin Liptrot shares his thoughts on America’s economic woes.