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 almost single-handedly saved General Election night! It's a conversation not to be missed, if you're remotely interested in Brexit, taxation, or politics.

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, Kevin Johnson and more, there was no shortage of debate and discussion. Free car parking in city centres, more resources to local authorities, greater powers to Combined Authorities and more support for our manufacturers and exporters were among the ideas to emerge from this special Downtown ‘Power Panel’.

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.