A windfall tax is no substitute for a long-term plan
19/05/2022
The chancellor needs a long term economic strategy – not short-term gimmicks – to get the country’s economy working again, according to DIB boss Frank McKenna.
There’s nobody else to lead!
14/04/2022
The lack of an obvious successor is a poor reason for the Prime Minister to hang on, argues Jim in his latest blog. He suggests it is all a part of a lowering of standards in public and private life.
Through the looking glass
14/04/2022
According to polls, 40% plus of us don’t think Boris Johnson should resign over Party-gate. Frank McKenna offers his forthright thoughts on that in his Easter blog.
DIB poll calls for chancellor to drop NI hike
21/02/2022
The latest DIB online poll asked: What measure do you think Chancellor Rishi Sunak should take to help people through the current cost of living crisis?
Downtown Boss Urges Government to Restore Business Help
16/12/2021
Frank McKenna, is urging Chancellor Rishi Sunak and the government to re-introduce some financial support packages for businesses, as the imposition of new restrictions threatens many with closure.
Spend, spend, spend – Rishi has traditional Tories scratching their heads
28/10/2021
Traditional Tories will see the Chancellor’s budget as heresy. But Sunak and Johnson won’t mind if it delivers them another election victory.
Cutting up PM’s credit card
20/10/2021
After Business Bashing Boris,the Chancellor is likely to be more supportive of bosses in next week’s Budget according to Jim as he previews what we can expect from Rishi Sunak on Wednesday.
YOU CAN’T BE A LITTLE BIT PREGNANT.
22/10/2020
Frank McKenna explains why the government’s latest ‘local lockdown’ approach to tackling the Covid-crisis is the worst of all worlds, in his latest Downtown blog.
“Short-term boost, but will it create long-term sustainable jobs?”
08/07/2020
“Rishi Sunak is creating a short-term boost, but will it create long-term sustainable jobs?” That was the verdict from Frank McKenna, Chief Executive, of business lobby organisation, Downtown in Business (DIB).
Back to the Eighties? No thanks
18/06/2020
This week Downtown in Business unveiled its Manifesto for economic Recovery. In his latest blog, Frank McKenna explains why the government needs to think big and be bold if we are to avoid a return to the Eighties – with a nod in the direction (and an apology) to the late, great David Bowie.
Is the Prize worth the Price?
14/05/2020
This week DIB boss Frank McKenna calls on a more robust ‘return to work’ plan from government, as he spells out the dangers of a long-term lockdown.
A solid eight out of ten for Sunak budget
12/03/2020
Frank McKenna offers his thoughts on the budget and Coronavirus in his latest Downtown blog.