The Downtown Den Podcast

EP.103 - Downtown Den: In Conversation with Ciara Keeling

Downtown in Business was delighted to be joined in the Downtown Den by Ciara Keeling the CEO of Bruntwood Works.

In this special Birmingham Property Club event, Ciara alongside the excellent as ever host, Phil Oldershaw, discussed a variety of topics including the serviced office and hot-desking models, the change in the way businesses operate from such locations, the effect to the industry post-COVID-19 and what to expect from the industry moving forward.​

EP.102 - Downtown Den: A Totally Frank Conversation with Frank Rogers

The Chief Executive of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Frank Rogers joined DIB boss Frank McKenna in the Downtown Den to talk Recovery Plans, transport, devolution and the Northern Powerhouse.

EP.101 - Downtown Den: Smart Cities and our Digital Future

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.

EP.100 - Downtown Den: The Role of Local Enterprise Partnerships

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.

EP.99 - Downtown Den: In Conversation with Laura Evans

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.

EP.98 - Downtown Den: Top Cop LIVE in the Downtown Den

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.

EP.97 - Downtown Den: Jonathan Isaby in the Downtown Den

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.

EP.96 - Downtown Den: What Next Power Panel in the Downtown Den

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’.

EP.95 - Downtown Den: Cllr Sharon Thompson in the Downtown Den

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.

EP.94 - Downtown Den: Tony Attard in the Downtown Den

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.