Episodes
Friday Jun 16, 2023
S3. E9. The Business of Sport - Gary Neville
Friday Jun 16, 2023
Friday Jun 16, 2023
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, football, and of course, politics.
Gary will be among the keynote speakers at Downtown in Business’ ‘Business of Sport’ conference in September, alongside Rugby League legend Jamie John Buchanan, the CEO of Women in Football, Yvonne Harrison, GB javelin champion and Olympic medal winner Goldie Sayers, and many more.
For further details of the conference, please CLICK HERE.
Friday Jun 02, 2023
S3. E8. The Business of Sport - Sir Howard Bernstein
Friday Jun 02, 2023
Friday Jun 02, 2023
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 Commonwealth Games in 2002 and led the initial transformation and regeneration programme in East Manchester.
Here he explains the city’s thinking in bidding for the Olympic Games, hosting the Commonwealth Games, the legacy of that two-week sporting event, and the importance of developing genuine public-private sector partnerships to maximise the benefits of hosting major events.
Bernstein also speaks of his passion for Manchester City Football Club, as he looks forward to attending the FA Cup and Champions League Finals.
https://downtowninbusiness.com/business-of-sport-conference/
Friday May 26, 2023
Downtown Den Special | Meet the Partner - Moore Media
Friday May 26, 2023
Friday May 26, 2023
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 Moore, the CEO of Moore Media. Jayne and Frank reflect on Jayne's business journey so far, from owning and running an lifestyle magazine in Birmingham in the late 90's to celebrating 10 years of Moore Media.
They touch on the current world of journalism and how everyone now has the ability to voice their thoughts and opinions via social media and podcasts. And there's also take a quick look into what the future holds for Moore Media.
Friday May 19, 2023
Downtown Den Special | Meet the Partner - Sedulo
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
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 Cheetham-Karcz, the chief executive of Sedulo. Paul and Frank discuss Paul's Sedulo journey, his own podcast series and the Sedulo Foundation Colour Ball.
Friday May 19, 2023
S3. E7. The Business of Sport - Oguchi Onyewu
Friday May 19, 2023
Friday May 19, 2023
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 President of Sporting for the U.S. Soccer Federation and former U.S. international footballer Oguchi Onyewu.
The U.S. Soccer Federation has named Oguchi Onyewu, VSI CEO of a Sports Organisation graduate, as the Vice President of Sporting. Onyewu, 40, brings a wealth of experience as a player and sporting executive with over 25 years in the game.
In this newly created role, the two-time World Cup veteran will work closely with U.S. Soccer’s Sporting Director Matt Crocker in supporting all sporting initiatives within the Federation. Reporting to Crocker, Onyewu will also play a prominent role in managing relationships with clubs and leagues in the United States and across the world, along with strengthening other stakeholder relationships.
One of Onyewu's initial responsibilities will be to assist Crocker with the hiring of the next U.S. Men’s National Team head coach. With a wealth of international experience and a deep understanding of U.S. Soccer, Onyewu will be an instrumental part of the hiring process.
Onyewu will also work closely with U.S. Soccer’s Development Department to help drive increased funding for Youth and Extended National Teams. A 501(c)(3) non-profit, U.S. Soccer receives no federal government funding to manage its National Teams programs, support hundreds of thousands of coaches and referees, and impact millions of players.
"We are thrilled to welcome Oguchi Onyewu to our team at U.S. Soccer,” said Crocker. “His experience as a player and sports executive, coupled with his deep understanding of U.S. Soccer, Oguchi will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our sporting initiatives. We all look forward to working closely with him."
Friday May 12, 2023
S3. E6. The Business of Sport - Chris Millard
Friday May 12, 2023
Friday May 12, 2023
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 Barmy Army, Chris Millard.
In this discussion Chris & Andy discuss: What is the Barmy Army, Why players love Test Cricket and it's future, The IPL and its incredible success, Major League Cricket and its implications for the English Summer Cricket season and whether Cricket is suffering due to a lack of free-to-air broadcasting.
VSI Executive Education are sponsors of the inaugural ‘Business of Sport’ conference to be hosted by Downtown in Business on Thursday 7th September 2023 at Lancashire Cricket Clubs Emirates Stadium in Manchester.
Among the confirmed speakers for The ‘Business of Sport’ conference are Gary Neville, Natalie Atkinson, Goldie sayers, and Sir Howard Bernstein. To book your tickets for what will be another amazing Downtown in Business experience please click here.
Friday May 05, 2023
Downtown Den - Elections 2023 Instant Reaction
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
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.
Friday May 05, 2023
S3. E5. The Business of Sport - Kenny Bruce
Friday May 05, 2023
Friday May 05, 2023
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 champions Larne F.C.
With Larne F.C. set to compete in the upcoming Champions League qualifiers, Kenny shares his values and knowledge on how he has helped Larne F.C. achieve this increadible feat. He also shares the unique collaboration with the Steven Gerrard academy for the benefit of their young footballers.
https://larnefc.com
Thursday May 04, 2023
Downtown Den Special | Meet the Partner - CPT
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
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 Vidler, the chief executive of CPT. Graham focuses on the transport issues facing the country and how buses can be utilised to help alleviate some of these issues.
Friday Apr 28, 2023
S3. E4. The Business of Sport - David Thompson
Friday Apr 28, 2023
Friday Apr 28, 2023
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 cruelly cutting his footballing career short and affecting his personal life, David candidly recounts his struggles with mental health and the lack of help he was offered back during his playing days.
Looking to the future David shares his hope and vision for his future career and how he can utilise his experiences to guide the future generations of young footballers.