Downtown boss Frank McKenna caught up with Rob Valentine, Region Director - Birmingham & West Midlands for Bruntwood SciTech. Bruntwood SciTech is the country’s leading developer of city-wide innovation ecosystems, and the largest dedicated property platform for the UK knowledge economy. Alongside a 50-year track record in the property industry, Br…

Downtown boss Frank McKenna caught up with Ryan Etchells and Elliot Vure from Together. Ryan and Elliot share the history of Together, how they have been able to help businesses access money and what they can do for clients. Find out more about Together and how they can help you access funding on their website. togethermoney.com…

Downtown boss Frank McKenna caught up with Warwick North West Managing Director, Greg Johnson. Greg shares a whistle stop history of Warwick and his rise to Managing Director, some of his challenges along the way and his vision for the future, not just for Warwick but the wider business region too. Find out more about Warwick North West on their we…

As we round out 2023, the latest guest in the Downtown Den 'Leaders' series is Dave Brewitt the Owner and Chief Executive of Hope Street Hotel and Owner of Carpenter Investments. In a compelling conversation with DIB CEO Frank McKenna, Dave shares his career journey from teaching in Birkenhead to founding one of Liverpool's finest hotels, From shar…

In this special episode of the Downtown Den podcast, Frank McKenna is joined by Gary Murray, North West Regional Manager for Crimestoppers. Crimestoppers are an independent charity that gives people the power to speak up and stop crime – 100% anonymously. In this interview Gary tells us what Crimestoppers is, how it works and why. Links Website: cr…

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. In this episode DIB Director, Chris McKenna chats …

In this special episode of the Downtown Den podcast, Frank McKenna chats with Steven Hesketh from Savvy Hospitality and his new venture The Hospitality Hero. Steven tells us all about the upcoming The Art of Hospitality conference taking place on Wednesday 15th November 2023 at Hilton Liverpool City Centre. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-art-of-h…

In this special episode of the Downtown Den podcast, Frank McKenna is joined by Liverpool business woman, social media influencer and model Jade Ainsworth. Talking about her career, Jade discusses her way into the modelling world, her career as a magazine columnist, how she became an online personality in Liverpool, and her infamous appearance on C…

The latest season of the Downtown Den podcast is all about leaders. In the latest episode Downtown boss Frank McKenna is joined by the chief executive of Manchester City Council, Joanne Roney OBE. In a fascinating discussion Joanne discusses her career, some of the lessons she has learned throughout her career and her tips and tricks for what she b…

The latest season of the Downtown Den podcast is all about leaders. In the latest episode Downtown boss Frank McKenna is joined by former Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree, Luciana Berger. Discussing a varied career, Luciana reflects on her career working in retail for Disney and in the NHS and what lessons she took from her experiences …

The latest episode in our 'leaders' series hears from CEO at Liverpool John Lennon Airport, John Irving. In this fascinating discussion with Frank McKenna, John discusses his career from Procter & Gamble to LJLA. A Geordie through and through, John discusses his role as Finance Director and Newcastle United Football Club and how he was able to sepa…

In the fourth epsiode of the 'Leaders' series of the Downtown Den podcast, Frank McKenna chats with the chief executive of Birmingham City Council, Deborah Cadman. Deborah discusses her vaired career, her experiences prior to taking on the chief executive role at Birmingham City Council, the lessons she has learned from leaders and her stint workin…

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den podcast, Frank McKenna chats with CEO of M & Gaucho Restaurants, Martin Williams. Martin shares his pathway into hospitality, which began with a foray into acting, and his subsequent rise to head honch at Rare Restaurants. Martin also shares some tips and advice on what he believes makes a good leader.…

As the Linonesses head for a World Cup final (at the time of publishing), Frank Mckenna chats with Chief Executive of Women in Football, Yvonne Harrison. In an extremely interesting discussion Yvonne discusses how she got involed with Women in Football, her difficulties in being a woman in a male dominated field and the growth of womens football. Y…

In the first episode of Season Four of the Downtown Den Podcast, DIB boss Frank Mckenna chats with Managing Director of Make Events, Holly Moore. In a fascinating conversation which looks at Holly's career and personal motivations, they touch on how 'Live Events' coped during and after lockdown, hybrid and virtual events, the struggle of employing …

Downtown Den Special. DIBs political Editor Jim Hancock and Frank McKenna analyse the July 2023 by election results – and find out who were the winners and losers.By downtowninbusiness

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. In this episode DIB boss, Frank McKenna chats with…

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. In this episode Downtown in Business Director, Chr…

This season of the Downtown Den Podcast focuses on The Business of Sport. In episode ten, Downtown boss, Frank McKenna chats with Andy McIntyre from VSI Executive Education and host of a number of season three episode to get this thoughts and opinions on the stories and insights we heard in this series. Reflecting on his conversations, Andy discuss…

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. Next up in our 'Meet the Partner' series is Elaine…

In episode nine of season three in our Business of Sport series, we take you back to the Downtown in Business Property & Regeneration conference of 2021 at the Belfry. Gary Neville gave a sparking performance, in conversation with Frank McKenna, and talked about a whole range of issues, including business culture, personal motivation and ambition, …

In episode eight of season three in our ‘Business of Sport’ series in the Downtown Den, the former chief executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein joins DIB boss Frank McKenna, discussing the economic impact of sport, culture, and sporting events. Sir Howard was one of the chief architects of the hugely successful Manchester Commonw…

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. Next up in our 'Meet the Partner' series is Jayne …

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. Next up in our 'Meet the Partner' series is Paul C…

This season of the Downtown Den Podcast focuses on The Business of Sport. VSO Executive Education chair, Andy McIntyre speaks with a series of fascinating personalities who are involved in sport – either as performers, investors, or administrators – and they have some great insights to share. In this episode Andy speaks with newly appointed Vice Pr…

This season of the Downtown Den Podcast focuses on The Business of Sport. VSO Executive Education chair, Andy McIntyre speaks with a series of fascinating personalities who are involved in sport – either as performers, investors, or administrators – and they have some great insights to share. In episode six, Andy chats with Managing Director of the…

Downtown Den Special. DIBs political Editor Jim Hancock and Frank McKenna analyse the 2023 local election results – and what the poll might mean for the General Election in 2024.By downtowninbusiness

The latest episode of the Downtown Den Podcast hears from Purple Bricks founder and Larne F.C. chairman, Kenny Bruce. In conversation with co-founder of VSI Executive Education Andy McIntyre, Kenny discusses his success in the estate agency world with Purple Bricks and his subsequent venture into football ownership with Northern Ireland Premiership…

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. Next up in our 'Meet the Partner' series is Graham…

In the latest instalment of the Downtown Den Podcast, co-founder of VSI Executive Education Andy McIntyre is joined by former Liverpool, Coventry and Blackburn Rovers footballer David Thompson. David discusses coming through the ranks at Liverpool Football Club, his moves to Coventry and Blackburn and his eventual early retirement. With injury crue…

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den podcast, Andy McIntyre from VSI Executive Education speaks with sports broadcasting specialist David Murray. In a fascinating conversation David discusses his career in which he was involved in the early years of the broadcasting rights deals for the English Premier League back in the early 1990's. David su…

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den podcast, we have former Burnley FC director Brendan Flood in conversation with Andy McIntyre from VSI Executive Education. In a fascinating discussion Brendan shares his career journey from starting off in Barclays bank to setting up his own university and his experiences with helping Burnley FC achieve pro…

Downtown in Business is fortunate to work in partnership with some of the very best businesses across the country. We wanted to give you the opportunity of getting to know them a bit better, and we have recorded a series of conversations in the Downtown Den with the personalities behind the brands. First up in our ‘Meet the Partner’ series is Asif …

On Thursday 7th September, Downtown in Business will host its inaugural ‘Business of Sport’ conference at Lancashire Cricket Clubs Emirates Stadium in Manchester. To give you a taste of the type of discussions and debates that will be taking place at the conference, event sponsor VSI Executive Education have worked in partnership with DIB to record…

The latest guest in the Downtown Den podcast is the chief executive officer of FC United Natalie Atkinson. In this candid discussion with Downtown boss, Frank McKenna, Natalie shares her journey into football, the journey of FC United and its community involvement and the progress and future of womens football. For more information on FC United vis…

Next up on the Downtown Den podcast we have Sophie Gilmore, Managing Director of Hybrid Training Centre. In conversation with Frank McKenna, Sophie discusses her journey from leaving school with no GCSE's to apprentice hairdresser to Hybrid. She is also candid in her struggles with imposter syndrome and her views on how the education system could b…

In the latest episode of the Downtown Den podcast, we are delighted to have the CEO of Co-operatives UK, Rose Marley join Downtown boss, Frank McKenna. The voice of the UK's co-operative movement, Co-operatives UK empowers and supports co-operative enterprise with specialised knowledge and expertise to grow the co-operative economy and create a fai…

FROM JAVELIN THROWER TO PROPERTY INVESTOR – THE STORY OF GOLDIE SAYERS Successful athlete turned businesswoman Goldie Sayer features in the latest Downtown Den podcast. To celebrate the announcement of the inaugural DIB ‘Business of Sport’ conference which will take place at the Emirates Old Trafford at Lancashire Cricket Club on 7th September 2023…

This series of the Downtown Den Podcast is all about Winning Women, in the latest episode Downtown boss Frank McKenna speaks with Liverpool business leader, Kate Stewart. In this episode, Kate takes us on a whirlwind journey, from dropping out of school to making her first million by the age of 26. Kate was responsible for the management of the Liv…

An underachiever at school, a self-confessed chatterbox, and a little lost as to know what to do with herself, Hayley Palmer reached her mid-twenties and decided she’d quite like to be a television presenter. She now appears on a number of TV programmes and radio shows, and she gets invited to many a red carpet affair as she has become one of the m…

EDUCATION MINISTER IN THE DOWNTOWN DEN Back in 2020, the then junior minister for education, Gillian Keegan, joined us in the Den to talk about her fascinating career journey (she started as an apprentice in Kirkby, a town on the outskirts of Liverpool), her transition into politics, and her passion for improving skills, education, and training in …

This series of the Downtown Den Podcast is all about Winning Women, in the second episode Downtown boss Frank McKenna speaks with the Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig. Bev discusses her first twelve months as Leader of Manchester City Council, her vision for the future of Manchester, her passion for Manchester United and a little bit abo…

In the first episode of the second series of the Downtown Den podcast, Frank McKenna speaks to Managing Director of Mansell Building Solutions, Angela Mansell. Angela discusses her business journey, challenges in a male dominated sector, the way she has evolved the company and her passion for Greater Manchester and Manchester United Football Club. …

In this episode, Downtown boss Frank McKenna chats with our Political Editor Jim Hancock as he takes us on a whirlwind tour of his career covering politics across the UK for over five decades. Jim’s career took him from the pioneering Piccadilly radio in Manchester to the BBC, he’s interviewed several Prime Ministers from Margaret thatcher to Tony …

The legendary Liverpool radio host and entertainer, Pete Price, needs little to no introduction. Known best for his late-night talk show on Liverpool radio station Radio City, his career has spanned 50 years in showbiz, with regular TV appearances and a bestselling autobiography ‘Pete Price – Name Dropper’. Renowned for his larger-than-life persona…

A political giant for more than five decades, the man who many believe to be ‘the best Prime Minister we never had’, Lord Michael Heseltine, joined DIB boss Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den this week. ‘Hezza’, also affectionately referred to as ‘Tarzan’ by Tory activists in the 1970s and 80s, has been at the forefront of public life since 1979 whe…

Long-serving chief executive at Warrington Borough Council, Vice Chairman of Rugby Super League Club Warrington Wolves, and early adopter and supporter of Downtown in Business, Prof. Steven Broomhead joins Downtown CEO Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den. In this honest discussion, Steven reflects on his impressive career at the council, “delivering …

Chrissie Wolfe is an award-winning solicitor, entrepreneur, careers coach and business consultant who has been breaking the boundaries in the professional services sector. Spending the first 7 and a half years of her career as a solicitor at a major law firm, in 2017 Chrissie launched her Youtube channel and brand Law and Broader as a way to improv…

Ed James is a self-proclaimed lover of people and their stories. Experiencing his first taste for radio at the age of 12, Ed now boasts over 20 years of experience as a Heart Radio presenter. Born in Yorkshire, now an honorary Brummie and one of the city’s biggest ambassadors, he has a passion for all things Birmingham and its community spirit. In …

Phil Neville may not be considered to be one of the most naturally gifted footballers of his time – but few would claim to have been more hard working and committed than a man who played for Manchester United and Everton Football Clubs. Whilst at United, he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a Champions League. He won 59 caps for Eng…