
	INTRODUCTION
	Welcome to the first edition of Downtown Manchester’s TFI Friday, the weekly bulletin that tells you what is hot and happening across the business community of our fabulous city; with regular features focusing on our members, the city’s hottest venues and events, and the regions ‘movers & shakers’. Read on, enjoy, have a great weekend and don’t do anything Frank wouldn’t do…


	SIR HOWARD TO ADDRESS DOWNTOWN LAUNCH
	The Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, Sir Howard Bernstein, will be the guest speaker at the official launch of Downtown Manchester in Business. The event will take place on Thursday 11th March at the Hilton Hotel (see events section for full details). Sir Howard commented: “I am delighted to have been asked to address the DMIB launch. Downtown is a welcome addition to the Manchester business scene.”


	WELCOME TO MANCHESTER
	Has there ever been a better time to get involved in Manchester and its vibrant business scene? READ BLOG

	FOLLOW FRANK ON TWITTER


	MEET THE TEAM
	Alan Townley has been appointed as DMIB’s Business Development Manager, and he took residence in our new offices in Portland Tower at the start of the year. To read more about Alan and the rest of the Downtown team CLICK HERE


	INTRODUCING THE SPONSORS…
	Property giant Bruntwood, AIM listed Insurance broker CBG Group and marketing agency MC2 have signed up as headline sponsors of Downtown Manchester for 2010. DMIB Chairman Frank McKenna commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be working alongside three quality businesses that have a first class reputation across the Manchester business community.” For details of DMIB sponsorship packages, please contact alan.townley@downtowninbusiness.com


	DEADLINE LOOMING FOR BIG CHIP AWARDS
	The twelfth annual Big Chip Awards, organized by Manchester Digital and sponsored by North West Business Insider, take place on the 10th June at the Palace Hotel, Manchester. The deadline for award nominations for the biggest digital awards event outside of London is 1st March, and is open to businesses excelling in the use of digital technology. For further details visit www.bigchipawards.com


	CBG GROUP PLC
	The sports division of AIM-listed insurance broker and DMIB sponsor CBG Group has secured boxer Ricky Hatton’s company, Hatton Productions, as a client. CBG Sports will provide cover for a series of boxing events throughout the UK in 2010.


	LAURA WOLFE
	The former head honcho of the Institute of Directors North West, Laura Wolfe, has established her own marketing business, Journey 9, and won her first major client, The Oracle Education Foundation, within a month of launching her new company. We are delighted that Laura has also agreed to serve as a member of the Downtown Manchester Advisory Board.


	MR. PICASSO HEAD
	Are you the creative type? Do you want to be artist, without having to cut your own ear off? Mr. Picasso Head is the site for you! http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html?skin=original


	GRILL ON THE ALLEY
	The Grill on the Alley is a name that most will be familiar with, as a popular steak & seafood restaurant. The name might deceive a little, so don’t expect a greasy kebab shop down a side street, no, Grill on the Alley is a quality restaurant with quality people at the helm. It takes experience to make a busy restaurant work well, especially when dealing with time poor business diners. Lunchtime is busy and bustling, deals being brokered, business being done and fine food being consumed. Turn around is impressive, where no one feels rushed. Try the Ribeye, or the Rope grown Mussels, or maybe just work you way through the entire menu over the coming year, it won’t disappoint. All menus are online, as well as pre-booking, which might be wise of an evening! And don’t rush, enjoy, and if people have to wait a little, they can go to the bar or go to McDonalds if they have a problem with a bit of a wait. Waiting is worthwhile. Top marks to Grill on the Alley, so say the cast of Corrie, MUFC and City....and Downtown Manchester In Business. http://www.blackhouse.uk.com/restaurants/restaurants-manchester


	11TH MARCH 2010 IS D-DAY
	The spectacular Cloud 23 at the Hilton Hotel will host the launch of Downtown Manchester in Business. The event will take place on Thursday 11th March, kick off at 6pm, with Sir Howard Bernstein and DMIB Chairman Frank McKenna addressing guests at the premier venue in the city. To register your interest in attending this very special occassion please CLICK HERE


	BLACK TIE BOXING DINNER
	Ricky Hatton recently announced his intention to return to the ring and give his 'largest crowd in boxing' something to remember him by. The everyman boxer understands the fans, and is always working to bring the spectacular to them. It is what he does best. An exclusive event hosted by Ricky himself, the evening will include several bouts of boxing in wonderful surroundings and a fine 4 course meal. It will be tailored to the crowd with Ricky at the helm so you are guaranteed one of the best evenings 2010 has to offer. And it is only February! Tables and tickets are very limited so waste no time and book today. Date: Thursday 18th February Time: 7.00pm - 11.00pm Venue: Midland Hotel FURTHER DETAILS


	THIS WEEK IT'S...
	Name: Alan Townley Company: Downtown Manchester in Business Position: Business Development Manager Red or Blue: Manchester United Brown or Cameron: Cameron Favourite Bar/Restaurant: Living Room Manchester What’s your Tipple: Peroni Favourite Band: Supertramp or Coldplay Top Tune: Breakfast in America Favourite Book: Ourkid by Billy Hopkins Favourite Movie: Kes Who would play you in a film: Ray Winstone Favourite TV Programme: League of Gentleman Most visited website: SkySports Celebrity Crush: Mary J Blige... Interesting Fact about you: I have a strange liking of footwear and possess over 60 pairs of trainers!