W W W.D0WNTOWNINBUSINESS.COM . . .
. . .
QUARTER TWO
THE BUSINESS CLUB WITH INFLUENCE
APRIL 18 MAY 18 JUNE 18 1
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
CON T E N T ...
...
CONTENT PAGE - APRIL 18 - IN THE NEWS
4
- DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
6
- STREET EXPECTS PRE-SUMMER SKILLS DEAL
8
- LEADERS BREAKFAST WITH ANDY STREET
10
- CITIES. INNOVATION & THE NORTHERN POWER HOUSE WITH SIR RICHARD LEESE AND MAYOR JOE ANDERSON
11
- MAY 18 - IN THE NEWS
12
- DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
14
- WHAT I HAVE LEARNED IN FIFTEEN YEARS IN BUSINESS
16
- LIGHTWORKS WITH LAURENCE LLEWELYN-BOWEN AND BY INVITATION ONLY WITH THE BANK OF ENGLAND - DOWNTOWN ANNIVERSARY LUNCH
18 19
- JUNE 18 - IN THE NEWS
20
- DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
22
- LIVERPOOL OUTPACING MANCHESTER GROWTH?
24
- INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS FESTIVAL 2018
26
- LANCASHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2018
27
...
...
DQ 2
3
A P RI L 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
IN THE NEWS Home
Secretary
Amber
Rudd
Analytica,
with
allegations
of
resigned over the Windrush scandal
mis-use of data through the social
and was replaced by West Midlands
media platform, the allegation that
MP Sajid Javid. The Labour Party
this had been used to influence the
was embroiled in rows over anti-
Brexit and American Presidential
Semitism within the organisation.
vote. Donald Trump’s latest scandal involved a woman by the name of
Facebook and its founder Mark
Stormy Daniels (you just could not
Zuckerberg were under scrutiny
make this stuff up).
for its involvement with Cambridge
Amber Rudd
...
...
4
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
D o n a l d Tr u m p
A PRIL 1 8 ...
St ormy Daniels
M ar k Z u c ker berg
...
...
DQ 2
5
A P RI L 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
F ra n k McKe n n a, J oa n n e Ron ey an d S ir R ich ard leese
...
F ra n k Mcke n n a an d A n dy S tre e t
DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
...
...
6
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
A PRIL 1 8 ...
Mayor J oe A n de rs on , Fran k M cKe n n a an d Sir Richard Leese
In Manchester, Downtown in
and transport were among the
with the Chief Executive of
Business hosted an exclusive
key topics discussed.
the Festival, Max Steinberg,
post-MIPIM
lunch
with
outlining
the
the
exciting
leader and the Chief Executive
Sir Richard was back in action
programme for the biggest
of Manchester City Council.
in Liverpool later in the month,
business UK event of 2018.
Sir Richard Leese and Joanne
joining Liverpool Mayor Joe
Roney reflected on the south
Anderson for a session on
of France property festival and
‘Devolution,
talked about the continued
the
economic
Over 100 people packed into
growth
and
regeneration of the city.
Innovation,
Northern
and
Powerhouse.
the Everyman to listen to the thoughts of the two Northwest leaders, their optimism for the
West Midlands Mayor Andy
future, and their support for
Street joined us in Birmingham
greater collaboration between
to discuss his first year in
the cities going forward.
office
with
Frank
McKenna
and 60 of the city’s business
The
leaders at the Hyatt Hotel. The
Festival was the focus of a
International
Commonwealth Games, skills
Lancashire
Leaders
Business Lunch,
...
...
DQ 2
7
A P RI L 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
BLOG OF THE MONTH STREET EXPECTS PRE-SUMMER SKILLS DEAL KEVIN JOHNSON
...
...
8
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
A PRIL 1 8 ...
Fresh from his return from the Gold
and have structures in place to
apprenticeship starts for levels 2
The
Coast, Australia, West Midlands
take on more powers. Mr Street
and 3. However, the Mayor was
the
Mayor
Midlands Growth
Engine
Company
and have
said he was working closely with
pleased to see the increase in
commissioned KPMG to report
audience of Downtown in Business
other
Degree
on the issue, including advice
Birmingham members that he’s
Burnham in Greater Manchester.
Andy
Street
told
an
Mayors
including
Andy
places.
on Mr
hopeful that a Skills Deal will be
Apprenticeship
Street
told
the
Leaders
struck with Government before
However,
that
Breakfast at the Hyatt Regency
the summer Parliamentary recess.
devolution has not started in any
Hotel that he is hopeful a Skills Deal
he
admitted
and
the
necessary
resources
for
international
structures successful promotion.
real sense. Government is still
with Government will be concluded
The Mayor said that the ‘Housing
founder
hanging onto powers, with only
ahead of the summer break. The
First’ pilot for homelessness and
Frank McKenna for his highlight
individual funding deals rather
details are being hammered out
rough sleeping – announced in the
almost
the
than a ‘single pot’ arrangement.
with Number 10 and the new
last Budget – would kick off shortly.
Street
The fundamental rules of the
Education
Mr Street said he was disappointed
Birmingham
game – governed by Westminster
Hinds. He was also able to highlight
that
winning the right to stage the
and Whitehall – had not changed.
the latest job creation figures,
Birmingham City Centre and other
with
Solihull
key centres of the “seven Boroughs”
districts.
was not yet being shared with
Asked
by
Downtown
12
months
into
brand new role, Mayor said
it
was
Commonwealth Games in 2022. Mayor Street said there was a
the
Secretary,
Birmingham best
and
performing
Damian
the
economic
success
of
other parts of the region. We
Having arrived back in the city
really good transport plan and the
just 24 hours before, following a
recent Housing Deal was a good
Mr Street’s recent foreign trips
can expect to see more focus on
series of meetings ‘down under’
first step, made possible by the way
have served to underline his belief
the “inclusive economic growth”
with Games organisers, business
local leaders had worked together.
that international promotion of the
agenda in the coming months.
and
political
leaders
and
region is in need of a significant
the
official handover, Mr Street was
But
keen to underline opportunities
areas
from
regional
the
‘friendly
games’.
the
third
that
policy
boost. The High Commissioner
Mr
improve
in Australia told him the West
everything had gone well, including
performance
Midlands was virtually invisible.
his attempt to secure a Mayoral
leg
of
should
economic
that
not
Careful not to criticise the West
Combined Authority budget. He has
his
Midlands Growth Company under
admitted in an interview with the
Winning the bid had taken some expressed
reflected
Precept in the West Midlands
continues to exercise the Mayor. Street
Street
“brinkmanship” according to Street,
Mr
but he was confident it would
continuing
about
Neil Rami, Mr Street said the
Local Government Chronicle today
galvanise the region, help to bring
skills, in particular the flagship
fundamental structures are not
to having “a few little run-ins” with
forward infrastructure investment
Apprenticeship Scheme which he
there and that the region had tried
Labour members on the WMCA.
and provide an opportunity to
described as “going backwards.”
to support trade, investment and
concern
show the region to the world. Mr Street said that the first year of
New
Mayors for Combined Authorities
scheme
had
potential
seen
them
secure
more
investment, prove they can deliver
arrangements are
for
the
discouraging
participants,
with
a
quarterly reduction of 25% in
tourism “on the cheap.” It was a
There were days when he thought
structural issue for Government,
he had gone completely mad, Mr
notably
Department
Street told Downtown members,
Trade.
but he found the job to be a great
for
the International
privilege and hugely satisfying.
...
...
DQ 2
9
A P RI L 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
VIDEO OF THE MONTH ...
Leaders Breakfast with Andy Street
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street told an audience of Downtown in Business
Birmingham
members
that he’s hopeful that a skills deal will be struck with Government before the summer Parliamentary recess. ...
...
10
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
A PRIL 1 8 ...
EVENT OF THE MONTH ...
Cities, Innovation & The Northern Power House with Sir Richard Leese and Mayor Joe Anderson
The Mayor of Liverpool and the
Joe Anderson and Sir Richard Leese
Leader of Manchester City Council
discussed devolution, the Northern
shared the stage at the Everyman
Powerhouse agenda, skills, and
Theatre at a special breakfast
football stadia at an event that
forum hosted by Downtown in
attracted over 100 business leaders
Business.
from across the city region.
...
...
DQ 2
11
M AY 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
IN THE NEWS
It was local election time, and
It was also Royal Wedding time,
although all the major parties
as Prince Harry married Meghan
claimed victory, the reality was
Markle.
probably best described as a ‘scoredraw’. Labour gained 79 Councillors
It
but ended up with no change to the
the football season, with Real
was
the
business
end
of
number of councils they controlled.
Madrid defeating Liverpool in the Champions League Final; and Pep
The Tories avoided the collapse in
Guardiola winning his first Premier
support usually associated with
League
governments that have been in
Manchester City, with a record total
power for eight years and did
of 100 points.
Championship
with
particularly well in the Midlands. The Liberal Democrats gained 4 councils but failed to get a strong enough ‘bounce’ to claim a genuine comeback. ...
...
12
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
MAY 1 8 ...
...
...
DQ 2
13
M AY 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS
F ra nk Mc ken n a a n d J im Ha n cock ...
...
14
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
MAY 1 8 ...
F ra n k Mc ken n a a n d Me tro mayor S teve Roth e ram
F ra n k Mc ken n a , J o h n You n g a n d L awre n ce L l ewe l yn Bowen
Downtown in Business celebrated
talked
its fifteenth anniversary in style
business journey, which started in
with a special gala lunch at the
a back bedroom and progressed
splendid
to a multi-million- pound global
DoubleTree
Hilton
about
her
The
fascinating
Hotel in Liverpool. 150 invited
company.
guests enjoyed an afternoon of
Executive
entertainment and reminiscing, as
Council,
Downtown boss reflected on some
visited the Midlands to talk on
of the organisations achievements
how the Northern Powerhouse
over the past decade and a half.
and
of Sir
former Manchester
Howard
Midlands
Chief City
Bernstein,
Engine
could
collaborate – and help to reLiverpool City Region Metro Mayor
balance
the
UK
economy.
Steve Rotheram celebrated his first anniversary in the job, addressing
In Lancashire, DIB hosted a tour
an exclusive breakfast event of
of
Downtown
where
where celebrity designer Lawrence
the skills agenda, transport, and
Llewelyn Bowen acted as our tour
investment were the main topics of
guide.
members,
the
Blackpool
Illuminations,
discussion. Birmingham members enjoyed two exceptional ‘Leaders
The Bank of England Northwest
Lunch’ events.
Agent, John Young, gave his expert assessment of the economy at a
Entrepreneur and the co-founder
dinner with Lancashire business
of Moneypenny, Rachel Clacher,
leaders at the superb Villa Hotel.
...
...
DQ 2
15
M AY 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
BLOG OF THE MONTH WHAT I HAVE LEARNED IN FIFTHTEEN YEARS IN BUSINESS FRANK MCKENNA CHIEF EXECUTIVE DOWNTOWN IN BUSINESS ...
...
16
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
MAY 1 8 ...
Last week we had a fantastic
with what motivates me on a
even if at some point they made a
times to say ‘no’ to someone who
celebration
personal level. If you are running or
really positive contribution to the
is offering you money for your
working in a business that fail to hit
business.
product, but I tell you now I wish I
of
Downtown’s
fifteenth year in business.
had followed my gut instinct with at
your ‘motivation’ buttons, then get Apart from enjoying a fabulous
out as soon as you can.
party at the amazing DoubleTree by
Persevering with people who are
least a dozen companies over the
not right for the business, or who
past fifteen years who have been
Hilton Hotel, with some of the key
Next, the money. It is something
have simply stopped adding value
more hassle than they were worth.
individuals who have contributed
that I only really started to pay any
to what you do, is a mistake for
Short term gain for long-term pain
to the Downtown journey since
real attention to once we got our
you, for them – and often the rest
is not the way to maintain the most
2003, it was also, inevitably, a time
first significant investment into
of your team as well.
important aspect of running your
of reflection too.
the company eighteen months
own business – enjoying it.
ago. I hate finance, and so tended
Fourth, and back to the money. It
As you would expect, over a decade
to ignore it unless we were in a
has probably never been easier
Thanks
and a half I have learned a few
position where I couldn’t!
to raise investment if you have
contributed to Downtown’s fifteen
to
everyone
who
has
ambitions to grow. As I mentioned
years. Here’s to the next fifteen. I’m
thought I’d use this week’s blog as
Having the right financial planning,
earlier, Downtown only reached
sure there are even more lessons
an opportunity to share some of
support, and processes in place
out for investment in 2016. I wish
to come for me.
those with you.
is something that, if I was starting
I’d have explored the possibility
lessons about business, and I just
out again tomorrow, I would make
earlier, because I think we’d have
First up, if you don’t enjoy what
the absolute priority. We’re getting
been able to grow the brand across
you do in your business, then it’s
there now – but it took me nearly
the UK even quicker. If you are
the wrong business for you. Even
fourteen years to do so.
looking to expand, don’t hesitate to use other people’s cash to do so –
through the toughest and most challenging times, there has never
Thirdly, people. Every business will
equally, know exactly what you are
been a moment when I haven’t
say that getting the right talent in
raising the money for as well.
loved what we do at Downtown.
is essential and is one of the most
Meeting and working with great
difficult things to do – and they are
Finally, and back to people. Building
people, hosting events, and making
absolutely right. However, equally
the
a difference are the key elements of
important is having the ability to
Developing the right customer base
what we do, and that fits perfectly
move people on at the right time,
is essential. I know it is difficult at
right
team
is
important.
...
...
DQ 2
17
M AY 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
VIDEO OF THE MONTH ...
Lightworks with Laurence Llewelyn -Bowen and By invitation only with the Bank of England Downtown
in
Business
hosted
two special events, sponsored by
Illuminations team and Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Blackpool Illuminations. The day drew to a close with an Downtown
exclusive dinner with John Young
members were given an exclusive
of the Bank of England at The Villa,
tour around the illuminations after
Wrea Green.
At
the
first
event,
a Q&A session with the Blackpool
...
...
18
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
MAY 1 8 ...
EVENT OF THE MONTH ...
Downtown Anniversary Lunch Downtown in Business celebrated its fifteenth anniversary at an exclusive party hosted by the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Liverpool.
...
...
DQ 2
19
JUNE 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
IN THE NEWS It was the start of a prolonged and
Her
unexpected heatwave for the UK,
announcements
cause
wasn’t
helped
with temperatures hitting 30C plus
companies, among them Airbus,
in many parts of the country.
BMW, and Jaguar Land Rover,
from
by
major
warned of the Brexit risks to jobs The Fifa Football World Cup kicked
and investment.
off in Russia, and England enjoyed a record victory with a 6-1 win
There were also signs of a high
against the mighty Panama (It’s
street/retail
Coming Home)!
with the House of Fraser giving
downturn
looming
notice that they were to close 31 There was a huge fallout between
stores. So, blue skies, but storms
the Remainers and Leavers in
ahead perhaps?
the Tory Party, as Theresa May attempted
to
pull
together
a
cohesive Brexit plan that would win the support of Parliament.
...
...
20
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
J UN E 1 8 ...
...
...
DQ 2
21
JUNE 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
DOWNTOWN HIGHLIGHTS ...
...
...
22
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
The
biggest
and
the
best
of
J UN E 1 8 ...
Downtown
in
Business’s
In Manchester a packed Leaders
Festival
Lunch heard the views of Sir
Lancashire’s business community
International
were celebrated at Downtown’s
conference
tenth annual Lancashire Business
enjoyed
Awards
whole range of speakers including
continuing
spectacular Stanley House Hotel.
property
entrepreneur
Tom
development within the city centre
The keynote speaker John Irving,
Bloxham,
digital
entrepreneur
and the importance of transport
CEO of headline sponsor Liverpool
Scott Fletcher, Greater Manchester
investment, particularly in HS2 and
John
a
Metro Mayor Andy Burnham, West
Crossrail North.
fascinating contribution on the
Midlands Metro Mayor Andy Street,
evening,
and Lord Michael Heseltine.
gala
Lennon
dinner
Airport,
discussing
at
made
his
the
career
Business in
Liverpool.
contributions
They
from
a
Howard Bernstein on a whole range of issues, including the
The
regeneration
Director
Powerhouse
journey (including his time as the
the
Northern
Partnership
Murison
United Football Club) and the
street was the focus of discussion
Leader of Trafford Council Sean
future plans for one of the UKs
at an exclusive Power Panel event
Anstee led a Manchester Power
fastest growing regional airports.
in Liverpool in association with the
Panel event on the crucial topic
Big winners on the night included
Business
District,
of skills & education. In Leeds a
Daniel Fisher of Tienda Digital
where the future of the retail
powerful group of business leaders
(Chief Executives Award) and John
sector was on the agenda, with
were treated to a wonderful dinner
Chesworth from law firm Harrison
contributions from M&S, Boodles
at Fazenda, where the city council’s
Drury (Business Personality of the
and LFC, alongside voices from
Chief
Year).
the
offered his views on devolution,
Over
150
at
people
attended
city’s
Improvement
independent
sector.
the
Henri
The challenges facing the high
Director
and
of
and
Newcastle
Finance
the city’s digital economy.
Executive
Conservative
Tom
Riordan
transport, regeneration, Brexit, and
CE O o f L iver p o o l J oh n L e n n on A irpor t, J oh n I rv in g an d Frank McKenna
D a n iel F is h er a n d F ran k M cke n n a
Alex Neary and John C heswor t h
...
...
DQ 2
23
JUNE 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
...
BLOG OF THE MONTH LIVERPOOL OUTPACING MANCHESTER GROWTH? JIM HANCOCK
...
...
24
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
J UN E 1 8 ...
After my last two blogs on the
generous in the post Brexit era
the North West. These include
Greater
is a question for another day.
finishing the M60 smart motorway
Manchester
economy
progress on the Mersey Barrage.
connections
Rotheram has less power than
the conurbation’s growth; it is
Responsibility
strategic
between the M67 at Hyde and
Andy Burnham who includes NHS
time to look at the surprising
economic growth in the Liverpool
the MI at Sheffield, to better links
spending in his portfolio as well as
claim
is
City Region rests on the shoulders
to Fleetwood and the Rimrose
police and fire. The complication for
neighbour.
of Mayor Steve Rotheram. A former
Valley project to upgrade links
Rotheram is that his region includes
bricklayer he helped Joe Anderson
between the Port of Liverpool
Halton which is under Cheshire for
In the run-up to the International
win the city for Labour in 2010
and
police and fire. Consequently, when
Festival of Business, I am looking
before reluctantly becoming an MP.
at the economic prospects of our
He told a recent Downtown event
The mayors probably back these
and
three city areas, including Preston
that he thought the parliamentary
schemes but have little power over
for
which I will review next week.
procedure
Erskine
what they see as unaccountable
she will have to be replaced as Halton has a different PCC.
project,
which took a bullish view of
that
outpacing
Merseyside its
for
book
called
improving
the
motorway
network.
Jane Kennedy stands down as Police
May, was a girl! Despite having little
national agencies. The mayors claim
City Metric, a New Statesman
enthusiasm for the old-fashioned
the North will always suffer from
magazine urban website, claims
procedures
that over the last twenty years
did
Liverpool has grown faster than
Hillsborough
Crime the
Commissioner(PCC)
Liverpool
City
Region,
he
the Treasury’s Benefit Cost Ratio
Tensions between Joe Anderson,
the
formula which favours the South
the city mayor, and Rotheram
campaign
East because of its huge commuter
at
any other city apart from London,
and became parliamentary aide
population and high land values.
easing, allowing the hope that
Edinburgh and Cardiff. The reasons
to Jeremy Corbyn despite voting
for this range from the fact that it
for Andy Burnham for leader.
of
parliament
remarkable
work
justice
on
started from a low base, benefitted
both
to
be
Manchester
and
City
can
growth, the Liverpool City Region
prosper. But what about Preston?
It seems the HA is aware of the
suffers from low skills. Rotheram
growing complaints of the mayors.
says he’d like to get his hands
opened the 42 acres of Liverpool
Tim
on
One shopping. In addition, the
Director for Highways England,
subregion has seen an influx of
recently claimed his organisation
students, land is affordable, and it
was conducting more consultation
Future economic targets for the
has received over £2bn in European
than ever before on eight major
Mayor include bringing the Spanish
aid. Whether Whitehall will be as
road improvement schemes across
train builder Talgo to St Helens, and
Delivery
Greater
£1.28bn
that
lies
Liverpool
seem
the
2008, built the Echo Arena and
Regional
region,
Even with the good news on
from the legacy of Capital of Culture
Gamon,
the
Region
unspent
in the apprenticeship levy pot.
...
...
DQ 2
25
JUNE 1 8 ...
THE BUSINESS C LUB WITH INFLUE N CE ...
VIDEO OF THE MONTH ...
International Business Festival 2018
As
part
of
the
International
Business Festival 2018 Downtown hosted
a
entitled
‘Devolution,
and
the
special
conference
Business
Innovation Effect’.
...
...
26
DQ 2
T H E B U S I N E S S C L U B W I T H I NFL U E NCE ...
J UN E 1 8 ...
EVENT OF THE MONTH ...
Lancashire Business Awards 2018
Downtown in Business celebrat-
cashire Business Awards spon-
ed the very best of the Red Rose
sored by Liverpool John Lennon
County at the 10th annual Lan-
Airport on Thursday 21 June 2018.
...
...
DQ 2
27
. . .