Previously, he was a Full Time politician, serving as the Deputy Leader of Lancashire County Council and Leader of the North West Regional Assembly. He also chaired Economic development company Lancashire Enterprises and worked as a Parliamentary Assistant for seven years.

Described at the time as ‘the most powerful politician in the region’, Frank is now a key business figure in the North West, regarded as one of the best networked and connected individuals in the business community.

He is a regular contributor to local, regional and national media and has written extensively about regeneration, politics and business development. He is also an accomplished public speaker, regularly addressing conferences, seminars and dinners; and he hosts a weekly business programme on City Talk 105.9fm.

frank.mckenna@downtowninbusiness.com

Roger spend much of his youth in Manchester, (and partied hard here in his latter years!) spending much time at White City watching and supporting his mate and stunt driver, Phil Reader. Some say that is where he learnt many of his driving skills!

His professional career started in the theatre with a sweeping brush as a stage technician, and rapidly grew to the position of production manager. He has worked with some of the country’s top artists and performers, including Billy Connelly, Peter Kaye, Rex Harrison (R.I.P) and even Showaddywaddy! (Oh yes!). He once looked after Lawrence Olivier’s daughters dog for a weekend.

His “sense of theatre” is a major influence as an Events Manager, a career that has brought about past relationships with both independent TV, the BBC and many regional businesses.

Roger is a seasoned equestrian, photographer and playwright. His most recent play was nominated for Best Comedy at the Buxton Festival.

roger.jonas@downtowninbusiness.com

Chris Wilcox permenantly joined the Downtown team in June 2008, after successfully completing a year’s work experience in 2007. He is the Website Co-ordinator, and you should contact him regarding any online queries, or technical jargon.

A student for four years at Liverpool John Moores University, Chris studied Computer Games Technology, but has shunned a potential career in the multi-millionaire industry of games, to join Downtown and get drunk more often!

An avid music follower, Chris is an accomplished guitarist, and knows the most about music in the Downtown office (despite what Roger and Frank believe to the contrary).

Chris is a blue nose, and one of his fondest memories is being at Wembley to watch Everton lift the F.A Cup in 1995! There could only be one choice for his favourite band - The Beatles, but they are closely followed by The Stone Roses, The Smiths and Oasis.

chris.wilcox@downtowninbusiness.com

Chris previously worked for British Telecom before joining the Downtown team in September 09 after travelling the globe for the best part of 3 years.

Obviously a travel enthusiast, Chris is also a thrill seeker, who is a regular on the ski slopes, and once threw himself out of a plane 14,000 feet above the Great Barrier Reef.

In his younger days, he was a half decent footballer and played at Academy level for Everton and Preston North End.

Chris loves all things football and is a big supporter of Everton. Unfortunately, the only time he got to see the Premier League title being lifted was at Goodison Park, we had just been beaten by Man United and Roy Keane did the honours!!

Chris enjoys a drink at Panacea and his favourite band is The Beatles but loves any music to come out of Manchester with ‘24 hour party people’ being one of his favourite films.

chris.mckenna@downtowninbusiness.com