The Downtown Den Podcast

Bruntwood boss Chris Oglesby joined DIB chief executive Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den to discuss life in the new world we are living in and how companies like his need to respond to the crisis to secure a strong recovery moving forward. He also gave an update on initiatives that Bruntwood are involved in across the country, including projects in Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. Having been involved in Manchester’s Commonwealth Games, Chris offered his opinion on what Birmingham can achieve and what legacy may look like for the city.

Lancashire County Council’s head of economic development Stephen Young gave a detailed brief of how the county had responded to COVID19 – and more importantly what his hopes and aspirations are for the future, including a more influential place at the Northern Powerhouse table for Lancashire.

The former John Lewis MD and current Metro Mayor for the West Midlands, Andy Street CBE, Joined Paul Cadman in the #DowntownDen for a discussion on how the current pandemic has affected the region.

The co-founder of Property giant Urban Splash Tom Bloxham MBE visited the Downtown Den to talk about his fascinating career to date. He also gave his views on what he thinks the future of high streets and cities will be post-Coronavirus and provided progress reports on the projects Splash are currently involved with across the country, including regeneration schemes in Birmingham, Manchester and the Liverpool City Region.

We welcome James Forrester from Barrows & Forrester and Stripe Homes into the #DowntownDen for a chat with Downtown Birmingham Chair, Paul Cadman.

Downtown London Chair, Simon Danczuk chats to four leading personalities from the world of Impact Sourcing.

We welcome Traci Freeman, Jonathan Yarlett and Mauricio Velasquez into the #DowntownDen to discuss what Impact Sourcing is and how the current COVID-19 Pandemic has affected it.

Downtown CEO Frank McKenna has a 'Totally Frank' conversation with Head of Operations of The Festive Group, Paul Lally.

Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna spoke to the Principals of two of the North Wests leading colleges in the #DowntownDen to talk about the work their organisations do to help and support the business community.

Elaine Bowker from the City of Liverpool College and Preston’s College boss Lis Smith talked about what a 21st Century academic institution needs to look like and deliver now and in the future.

When your guest says “Getting blown up in Afghanistan was the best thing that ever happened to me” you know you are listening to an incredible tale of courage, commitment, and fortitude.

Ex-Marine Andy Grant has been in the Downtown Den and sharing his amazing story with DIB boss Frank McKenna. This is a ‘much watch’ interview with a man who takes you through the lows and highs of his life. An inspirational personality who delivered one of the standout conversations of the Lockdown.

Downtown CEO Frank McKenna has a 'Totally Frank' conversation with Make events CEO, Holly Moore.

Holly discusses how and why she started up Make Events, how she is staying positive in the current climate and how she has ensured her staff and their partners feel a part of the 'Make Events' family.