The Downtown Den Podcast

We were joined in the Downtown Den by four tech experts as we discussed 'Smart Cities and our Digital Future'. Amardeep Gill (Trowers & Hamlins), Carl Beet (TfWM), Yannis Maos (Birmingham Tech Week) and Nigel Pugh (Impact Aerial) discussed a variety of topics about the technology and lifestyle developments that will change the cities of the future.

In episode #100, Three Local Enterprise Partnership chairs from across the Northern Powerhouse visited the Downtown Den. Roger Marsh (West Yorkshire), Clare Hayward (Cheshire & Warrington) and Steve Fogg (Lancashire) were in conversation with DIB boss Frank McKenna, offering their thoughts and opinions on how the UK and the North in particular can recover from the Coronavirus crisis.

Chief Executive of Downtown in Business, Frank McKenna was joined in the Downtown Den by Laura Evans the Conservative Candidate for Greater Manchester Mayor. Laura discussed a variety of topics including the fund to support the reopening of high streets across Greater Manchester, the new Cryobattery facility in Trafford and the re-opening of hospitality venues.

The Chief Constable of the Merseyside Police Force Andy Cooke joined Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den earlier this month, discussing his career journey, the challenges facing police in 2020 and leadership. In an open and fascinating discussion, Liverpool’s top cop offered a unique insight into life on the front-line.

If you were wondering what happened to Brexit then look no further than this webinar with Jonathan Isaby, recent editor of Brexit Central. He talks us through the final stages of Brexit and what it means for business. Drawing on his time at the Taxpayer's Alliance and Conservative Home, we also chat about centre right politics and where next for Boris and Rishi. Finally, we hear how Jonathan almos...

Downtown in Business brought together a powerful group of individuals from its network from across the country to gauge their opinions on Rishi Sunak’s Summer Statement and ask them what the Chancellor should be looking to announce in his October budget to get the economy back on track. As you would expect from a panel that included Sir Howard Bernstein, Emma Degg, Henri Murison, Jessica Bowles, K...

Downtown Den hosted born and bred Brummies Prof Paul Cadman, DIB Birmingham chair and Cllr Sharon Thompson cabinet member of homes and neighbourhoods. The conversation started covering Sharon’s background and her own first-hand experience with homelessness and the supporting systems. Sharon has been vital in the delivery of support to individuals during COVID19.

Downtown Chief Executive, Frank McKenna was joined in the #DowntownDen by the Chief Executive of Panaz Group, Tony Attard. In this discussion, Tony shares his brief backstory, his experiences during the COVID-19 crisis his role in Lancashire and Lancashire's bid for the 2025 City of Culture.

Downtown in Business was joined in the Downtown Den by the leaders of Liverpool and Manchester, Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson and The Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese. The two city leaders discussed Recovery Plans, business support, the Northern Powerhouse and much more besides with DIB chief executive Frank McKenna.

The founding director of Javelin Block Stuart Holt, joined Downtown Birmingham chairman Paul Cadman for a live Downtown Den event on Friday 19th June 2020. Stuart is thought of as one of the leading lights in the regeneration of Birmingham and has spoken at influencer talks worldwide. Stuart discusses his story of how he started Javelin Block and what his principal aims for Javelin Block are.

Downtown in Business hosted an online 'invite-only' Professionals Power Panel event that discussed the city's Recovery Plan and how businesses can adapt to future challenges. The discussion was led by leading HR expert Victoria Brown, Managing Partner of Begbies Traynor – Liverpool, Keith Tully and Corporate lawyer Denise Walker.

Downtown Chief Executive was joined in the Downtown Den by the Chief Executive of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, Eamonn Boylan.

John James, the Managing Director of Soho Estates talks to us about his campaign to save the hospitality industry - the Soho Summer Street Festival. Along the way, he reveals David Bowie's reason for visiting the famous Embassy Club, the 'King of Soho', Paul Raymond's business philosophy, and the role they played in helping establish the Soho House brand. A conversation with someone who has been a...

Downtown Birmingham Chair, Paul Cadman was joined in the Downtown Den by Hollywood Monster chairman, Tim Andrews. Paul & Tim discuss a variety of topics including LoveBrum, whom Tim is the Chairman of Trustees for.

Claire Liddy, Director of Operational Finance at Alder Hey Children's Hospital, joined Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna for the latest Downtown Den discussion.

Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna caught up with Managing Director of Sutcliffe, Sean Keyes.

Downtown in Business gathered some of Birmingham leading business personalities from the property sector. The discussion chaired by James Forrester (Barrows & Forrester, Stripe Homes), covered several topics including what the future holds for property developments in the city and surrounding areas and how the city might change on a commercial level.

Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna caught up with Brock Carmichael Partner, Phil Malthouse.

DIB was joined in the #DowntownDen by Oli Hills (Updates Media), Abi Swindell (Electric House), Kim Leary (Squibble) and Amrit Singh (Rebel Creatives). These four leading digital personalities discussed how you can effectively communicate your brand, personal and professional, above all the noise. Visit: www.updatesmedia.com www.electrichouse.co.uk squibble.design www.rebelcreatives.co

The Downtown Den welcomed motivational speaker, Andy Bounds back for a second discussion with Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna. Andy shared several tips on how you and your business can REACH your targets by following a few simple steps. For more information on Andy and to receive his weekly 'Tuesday Tips' visit www.andybounds.com

Downtown CEO spoke to Director of Space Modular, Ian Ambrose. Ian tells us what Modular Housing is and explains how the company has thrived during the COVID-19 crisis. For more information on Space Modular visit https://space-modular.com/home/

Professor Michael Parkinson is one of the most respected figures in the world of regeneration and cities. Here he talks to DIB chief Frank McKenna about his fascinating career, and talks of his experiences in working with major cities across Europe to help them achieve their maximum potential.

Mark Williams from Western Union Business Solutions joined Downtown Director, Chris McKenna in the Downtown Den.

Downtown CEO Frank McKenna caught up with Interim Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council, Steven Broomhead in the latest from the Downtown Den.

Downtown's National Director of Business Support, Abby Goldie, was joined in the #DowntownDen by the CEO of SIFA Fireside, Carly Jones. For more information about SIFA Fireside visit https://www.sifafireside.co.uk/