Earlier this week, Downtown hosted a private lunch with thirty of our leading members at the Holiday inn, Preston, with the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council Sir Howard Bernstein as our guest of honour. I interviewed Sir Howard for half an hour or so, and asked him how he and his colleague... [More]

I joined other Liverpool business leaders this week in calling on campaigners to drop a legal challenge threatening the new £451 million Royal Liverpool Hospital. The hospital project would create jobs, apprenticeships and a much enhanced health offer to the city region, whilst cementing our p... [More]

One of the key reasons for Lancashire’s failure to get on with a ‘can do’ attitude has been its inability to focus on a particular location that can drive its local economic activity. A hub that people look to as the leading partner for the rest of the county. Maybe for historical... [More]

Before I begin tonight can I just ask you to give another much deserved round of applause for the wonderful Alma De Cuba gospel choir. Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome to the eighth annual ‘Liverpool’ awards brought to you by Downtown Liverpool in Business in association wit... [More]

Have you had an extra spring in your step this week? Have you witnessed an improvement in productivity in your business ? Do you find yourself breaking into a smile as darkness descends upon us at 3.30 in the afternoon? No? Me neither. For historical reasons, the UK chooses this time of year to put... [More]