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Logged In With . . . Frank McKenna
TheBusinessDesk.com | 5th July 2010

Logged in with... Frank McKenna

Organisation: Downtown in Business

Employees: 12

Job title: Chairman

Career highlights: In my previous life as a politician I became Leader of the North West Regional Assembly in 1999. Launching Downtown and building it from scratch six years ago to what it is today is my business highlight.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date? My Mum and Dad. If everyone had parents like them the world would be a much better place.

What are your key responsibilities: Maintaining strong links with our key sponsors and members; keeping abreast of public policy developments; liaising with, and lobbying, public sector decision makers; managing and motivating the Downtown team.

What do you enjoy most and least about your role? I absolutely love everything about my job, although I very occasionally get fed up going to evening events. Those who know me maybe won’t believe this, but I do crave a night in front of the telly sometimes!

As a business leader, what's the key to managing people? Being honest with them. Looking for positives in their performance and helping them to develop. Allowing them to express an opinion about how the business is performing, and encouraging them to bring forward new ideas.

What are the biggest barriers to your organisation's success? As with most businesses, people. We have a really good team at the moment, but it has not always been so.

What would make the North West an even better place to live and work? A 12-lane M6 and M62. But, this region is the best in England bar none.

How has technology changed your life in the last five years? Positives: I can work at home effectively when I need to. Negatively, it has made us all far too accessible 24/7.

How has it changed/impacted on your business in the same period? Hugely. Downtown has used the whole range of on line tools to market, service and develop our business. We have embraced new technology from day one, so we simply try and stay ahead of the game at all times. Look out for our new range of mobile phone member services which we are introducing later in the year.

If you weren't doing what you're doing now, what alternative career would you chose and why? I wanted to be a journalist when I was at college, so maybe a writer of some sort. I could always go back into politics.

Which sectors do you think will thrive/ struggle in the coming years? Any business that can offer the public sector quality, cost effective services will do well over the next five years; those organisations who have over relied on public sector work in the past though will struggle. Sector wise, football is in trouble.

What do you feel are the key skills/qualities needed to run a successful business in the 21st Century? Flexibility, an ability to embrace change and being decisive. Maybe, or maybe not...

Which public figure do you admire most and why? Controversial but I’m going to say Tony Blair. I remember how grey and depressing the UK was in 1997. Our international standing was at an all time low. He changed that and his government did introduce a raft of legislation that helped to modernise Britain, and make our country far more optimistic, diverse and tolerant. I think history will be kinder to him than the current opinion of the man.

In five words, describe your character: Ambitious, Positive, Determined, Optimistic, Evertonian

Which actor/actress would you chose to play you in a film? Daniel Craig, in a suit, definitely not in swimming trunks!

Where's your favourite holiday destination and why? Anywhere hot and relaxing, preferably with no internet access. Because it is the exact opposite of where I live and work for most of the year.