The Downtown Den Podcast

Series 2 - Ep. 3 - Richard Angell

Richard Angell, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the Terence Higgins Trust and the former chief executive of Labour pressure group Progress, was the latest podcast guest to have a ‘Frank Conversation’ with DIB boss Frank Mckenna. In a wide ranging and fascinating discussion, Richard explains the positive impact the drama series ‘It’s a Sin’ has had on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS and the progress that has been made in combatting the pandemic of the 80’s. he also gives his candid assessment on the performance of government and opposition, offering some thoughts on how the Labour Party might win the next General Election. Richard’s selection of his ideal government cabinet is female formidable – we’ll leave it to you to judge weather his top team would outperform Boris & co.        

Series 2 - Ep. 2 - Mike Emmerich

Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna spoke to Founding Director of Metro Dynamics, Mike Emmerich. Frank and Mike discussed Mikes roles pre-Metro Dynamics, the impacts of the pandemic on business, Brexit and so much more. 

Ep.119 - Downtown Den: UK Night Time Economy Leaders in the Downtown Den

Downtown in Business was joined by a number of the UK's leading Night-Time economy personalities for an in-depth discussion on the nightlife industry and how it has been affected by the pandemic, the 10pm curfew and other restrictions.

Thanks to Rich McGinnis, Founder of Chibuku Liverpool; Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Advisor for Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Co Founder of Warehouse Project and Parklife Festival; Naomi Aly, Marketing Manager for Aluna Birmingham and John James, Managing Director of Soho Estates London for joining us for this fascinating discussion.

Series 2 - Ep. 1 - Holly Moore

Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna and Managing Director of Make Events, Holly Moore discuss how the events sector has dealt with the impacts of Covid and how this has impacted peoples mental health. Plus, Frank & Holly discuss how they're looking to the future beyond covid and how the events industry will begin to thrive once again.

Ep.118 - Downtown Den: Stephen Young and CC Geoff Driver in the Downtown Den

The leader of Lancashire County Council CC Geoff Driver and the director of economic development and planning Stephen Young joined DIB chief executive Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den to discuss the implications of the county going into tier-3 and their vision for Lancashire’s recovery plan post-pandemic.

Ep.117 - Downtown Den: Wes Streeting in the Downtown Den

Wes Streeting was, up until recently, a member of Labour’s frontbench Treasury team, before being promoted to the position of shadow minister for schools. In this exclusive interview with Downtown boss Frank McKenna he talks about his new brief and his vision for the future of education – whilst explaining the opposition’s approach to the Covid-19 crisis.

Ep.116 - Downtown Den: Alison McGovern in the Downtown Den

The Wirral South MP and shadow minister for sport Alison McGovern joined DIB chief executive Frank McKenna to talk about the latest negotiations between Treasury officials and Merseyside MPs, why the city region is in a much stronger place than it was back in the 1980s -and she has a word about the business of football.

Ep.115 - Downtown Den: Sir Richard Leese LIVE in the Downtown Den

DIB boss Frank McKenna, spoke to the Leader of Manchester City Council, Sir Richard Leese about the Tier 2 restrictions placed on the region - and what impact the measures will have on Manchester's business community.

Ep.114 - Downtown Den: Tom Riordan LIVE in the Downtown Den

Leeds City Council Chief Executive, Tom Riordan joined Downtown CEO, Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den to tell us how he thinks the Northern Powerhouse should respond to the post-Covid-19 world – and what changes he expects to see in cities across the country, most notably in Leeds.

EP.113 - Downtown Den: In Conversation with Clare Hayward & Steve Broomhead

Downtown Cheshire in Business was joined in the Downtown Den by the chair of the Cheshire Local Enterprise Partnership Clare Hayward and the chief executive of Warrington Borough Council Steve Broomhead.

They discussed the county's future vision in a post-Covid economy, recognising the challenges business face, whilst focussing on the solutions and opportunities for the future.