McKenna prepares for Manchester launch

5 Feb 2010, 16:33

Bruntwood is among the early sponsors of the new Downtown Manchester in Business networking and lobbying group being unveiled by business commentator and former politician Frank McKenna in March.

Insurer CBG Group and PR firm MC2 have also signed up as sponsors of the group. DMIB will be 'a business club with attitude' according to the organisation's website and will bring 'fresh and independent leadership to the private sector' in the city.

McKenna was a Labour councillor, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council and leader of the North West Regional Assembly before setting up Downtown Liverpool in Business in 2004.

Downtown Preston in Business opened a couple of years ago and both clubs have active property networking forums that meet regularly.

While commenting on serious issues such as transport and mayoral policy, Downtown remains best known for its popular networking events run under the banner Sexy Networking.

Membership of Downtown Manchester in Business will start at £350 for a company.

The launch party takes places at Cloud23 in the Hilton on Deansgate on 11 March. Sir Howard Bernstein will be the guest speaker.