McKenna plans to expand Downtown

A business networking and lobbying group led by former Lancashire politician Frank McKenna is planning to expand to Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle within a year.

Mr McKenna, pictured, launched Downtown Liverpool in Business five years ago and set up a sister organisation in Preston in 2007. A Lancaster branch is now set to follow.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk Mr McKenna said his aim was for Downtown to become the business voice of the North.

“We’ll certainly be in Manchester, Leeds or Newcastle by this time next year,” said Mr McKenna, hinting that Manchester was the most likely destination.

“I love Liverpool, live in Lancashire and admire Manchester and see the sense in a coherent region. The North West as a region could do a lot better if it co-ordinated more effectively.

“Any involvement in Manchester is something that excites me. I think it’s a fantastic city but this has to be something that will work in Manchester. We don’t underestimate the challenge. We do get a lot of enquiries from Manchester businesses, there is an opportunity there.”

Downtown is competing against the more established regional branches of national organisations such as the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), Institute of Directors (IoD) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), as well as various chambers of commerce.

Mr McKenna claims Downtown has more of a “local voice” than its rivals and has organised the most effective networking events, often featuring senior politicians.

“If you want to influence government agencies and institutions it’s important to put your members in front of them as often as you can,” he said.

The group, which earns revenue from sponsorship and annual fees from some 400 members, has made an impact with high profile lobbying campaigns on issues such as planning and the inefficiency of local government.