Downtown in Business

We are hiring... Downtown in Business is looking for an Events Coordinator to support the delivery of its busy UK events programme, working across conferences, networking events and awards. This is a fast paced, hands on role supporting the planning, coordination and delivery of events across multiple regions, working closely with venues, suppliers and members. We are looking for someone organised, confident and proactive, with strong communication skills and an interest in events and business networking. To find out more and apply: https://lnkd.in/ewx6S25

A really interesting and slightly different Downtown in Business event coming up on Thursday 25th June. We will be bringing Lancashire business leaders together to hear directly from the Conservative and Labour candidates hoping to become Cheshire and Warrington’s first elected mayor. Ben Fletcher and Dan Price may disagree on plenty politically- but on one issue they are strikingly aligned… Devolution works. At a time when Cheshire pushes ahead towards a mayoral model, Lancashire continues to debate whether it even wants one. So what can Lancashire’s business community learn from Cheshire’s approach? What opportunities could greater devolved powers unlock for the North West economy? And is Lancashire at risk of slipping into the “slow devolution lane”? Expect an honest, lively, and thought-provoking discussion around leadership, growth, investment, infrastructure, and the future of regional economies. One thing is certain. The devolution debate is no longer theoretical. The regions moving fastest are increasingly the regions winning investment and influence. To learn more about the event DM Downtown in Business. The event is sponsored by KROL CORLETT GROUP Nugent Story Homes Cotton Court Frank Mckenna Prof Robert Binns John Chesworth Michelle Eager Paul Foster John Winstanley Joanne Henney Simon Krol Nick Gerrard Phil Mayall Richard Slater🌹 #Devolution #NorthernPowerTowns #Lancashire #Cheshire #BusinessGrowth #LocalGovernment #Leadership #EconomicGrowth #NorthernPowertowns

Downtown in Business and Liverpool Business Improvement District are calling for urgent action to restore UK competitiveness and strengthen the visitor economy. In a joint submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, they argue that high VAT rates are holding back growth, increasing costs for visitors, and putting UK hospitality at a disadvantage against European competitors. They are calling for a VAT reduction for hospitality as a key step to unlock investment, jobs, and growth. The organisations also warn against a blanket tourist tax, instead backing a private sector-led approach through expanded Accommodation Business Improvement Districts, ensuring investment is locally controlled and reinvested into destinations. Read the full article using link in comments.

Exciting news from DIB member Wild Thang | B Corp™ Creative Branded Clothing, Merchandise & Print Experts 🧢🖊👕. Andrew Dwerryhouse 🧢🖊👕 and the team at Wild Thang have officially welcomed Partridge Peartree Promotions Company into the Wild Thang family, marking a major milestone in their continued growth across the UK & Ireland. As Wild Thang continues its exciting growth journey, this latest milestone reinforces the business’s commitment to combining creativity, innovation, responsible business, and world-class customer solutions on a truly international scale. Two family businesses coming together. One shared vision. One seriously exciting branding future. To read the full story visit the DIB website, link in comments.

Delighted to announce a new strategic partnership between Downtown in Business and Liverpool creative agency Poke. This partnership marks another significant milestone in DIB’s continued growth and rising profile within the UK business, events and communications sector. Over the past two years, it’s been a real pleasure working alongside a team at Poke who bring creativity, energy and strategic thinking to everything they do. From supporting major campaigns and events to contributing to wider conversations around business, culture and place, their input has been invaluable.

I try to avoid #politics on LinkedIn but today the Northern Spin podcast is back after a two-and-a-half-year break for two simple reasons. On June 18 the most important by-election in my lifetime takes places when Greater Manchester Mayor #AndyBurnham bids to win Makerfield and open up a potential route to No 10. I think Burnham has done an excellent job as Mayor but it’s not my job as a journalist to tell people how to vote. That’s why we live in a democracy. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks the same. The campaign is being hijacked by a mix of people – many from outside the North - with their own agendas and the casualty is the truth. I can’t stand by and do nothing. That’s why myself and the new co-host Frank Mckenna, chief executive and group chairman of Downtown in Business, have revived the Northern Spin podcast. The second reason for bringing back the podcast is this and it relates to Reform. I’ve interviewed Nigel Farage and, although I may disagree with his politics, I respect him hugely as a communicator. I’ve never told anyone not to vote for Reform. People have genuine concerns and they must vote with the conscience. That’s why we live in a democracy. However, Farage received a £5m undeclared ‘gift’ from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborn but appears reluctant to answer questions on how that money was spent. Why? He wants to be PM. Reform’s candidate in Makerfield – Rob Kenyon - has been roundly condemned for a series of sexist social media posts he made about Carol Vorderman and other women. Why hasn’t he done any interviews to explain himself? He wants to be MP. Reform’s Danny Kruger defended Kenyon’s comments as those of ‘an ordinary man, from an ordinary place’. They’re not and several other ‘ordinary men, from ordinary places’ from across the North have contacted me to say it’s not okay. The public deserve better and that's why Northern Spin is back. Myself and Frank aren’t being paid to do it – in fact it’s costing us money. We only decided to do it a few days go, recorded the episode on Wednesday and published it today. We published it so quickly not all the podcast platforms have updated!! Northern Spin was last aired in 2023 and I never thought it would be back but I’m an 'ordinary guy, from an ordinary place’  who can’t stand by and say nothing. You can listen here https://lnkd.in/eT-3nBnV or watch it on YouTube here https://lnkd.in/eVzXJc8p

All eyes are on Makerfield as Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham fights to stop Reform’s momentum and strengthen his path to national leadership. In the latest episode of The Northern Spin, Christopher Maguire and Frank Mckenna debate whether Brand Burnham can win over Makerfield, Labour, and the country. They discuss: • Whether it is Burnham or bust for Labour • The growing Reform challenge • The fallout from the Rob Kenyon sexism row • The intervention from Carol Vorderman • Why Burnham may need to ditch the “King of the North” label Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/dGUS2DAy

DOWNTOWN @ MIPIM 2027 MIPIM 2026 was a huge success for Downtown in Business in Cannes — delivering high-profile events, influential networking, strategic introductions and genuine commercial opportunities for our partners. Now we are going even bigger for 2027. Our expanded programme will provide even greater access to investors, developers, civic leaders and senior decision-makers from across the UK and international markets. DIB’s MIPIM partnership packages offer: • Exclusive networking and introductions • Speaking opportunities • Significant brand exposure • Access to key regeneration and investment conversations Plus, MIPIM 2027 partners will also gain access to Downtown’s exclusive UKREiiF events in Leeds next year. If your business is serious about profile, influence and opportunity, Cannes 2027 starts now. Contact Frank Mckenna for more information.

Downtown in Business has today escalated its campaign against so-called “phoenix companies” by issuing an open letter to MPs, metro mayors, ministers, and civic leaders calling for tougher action against serial business offenders. While we welcome new legislation tackling late payments to SMEs, more must be done to stop businesses collapsing owing suppliers and HMRC significant sums, only to reappear under new company structures weeks later. DIB is calling for stronger protections for SMEs, tougher director disqualification powers, greater transparency around insolvencies, and automatic investigations into repeat offenders. This campaign is about fairness, accountability, and protecting the businesses that genuinely keep the economy moving. Read the full story, using link in comments.