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

Actually born in Salford but don’t hold that against him – the new Business Development Manager for Downtown Manchester is already one of the best-known faces on the city’s business circuit.

In 2000 Alan took his first sales job with Manchester-based Excel Publishing, the North’s largest independent publisher, and was quickly promoted to become Sales Manager within the company’s thriving contracts division before joining the firm’s flagship business title, EN the Magazine for Entrepreneurs, in August 2007. Here he was, again, promoted to become Sales Manager.

But, after a decade in the media, new challenges beckoned, and Alan says he now plans to make Downtown Manchester in Business at least as successful as its Liverpool-based forerunner.

When he isn’t out and about networking Alan’s great passion is Manchester United and he still finds time for a part-time role providing security services to the club.

Such, in fact, is his love for the side that he is regularly to be found propping up the bar at its players’ hang-outs of choice: the Living Room, Panacea and Prohibition – before, more often than is good for him, leaving the stars behind and mithering the Press Club’s longsuffering DJ to play “Take the Long Way Home”....

alan.townley@downtowninbusiness.com

With a strong background in Marketing Account Management within the media and new media sectors, Siân is an extremely outgoing 'people person' with a huge personality (and voice to match!)

After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a Communications and Media degree, Siân's lived in Boston Massachusetts where she began her career in broadcasting. Quickly realising her gift of the gab, she progressed into marketing management and has worked alongside numerous high profile brands within the leisure and digital media sectors.

Most recently in her career, as Head of Manchester for Ph.Creative, Siân opened their Manchester office and established herself firmly as a creative marketeer and a networking queen. She's worked closely with the Downtown team for the past two years and we just can't seem to get rid of her.

An avid writer, Siân has published a chick-lit novel and is highly experienced in marketing strategy planning and business development.

A feisty little lady with a passion for people, she can often be found networking with Manchester's finest, satisfying her addiction for a Starbucks Caramel Macchiatto or tinkling the ivories if there's a piano bar in sight...

sian.peak@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