New backers of the Liverpool-based private sector lobby group and business networking club come from the transport, property and construction sectors

Bus operator Stagecoach, construction safety specialists Project Four and property firm Shape Consulting Engineers have all signed up as sponsors of private sector lobby group and business networking club Downtown in Business for 2020.

They will be working in partnership with Downtown over the next 12 months to raise awareness of their respective brands. DIB chief executive Frank McKenna said: “We are delighted to have been selected by three very strong and ambitious brands to support them in meeting their objectives in the New Year.

“Stagecoach joins Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Merseyrail as partners in the transport sector and I am sure that there will be an opportunity for collaboration to take place whereby we can begin to map out what a more co-ordinated and cohesive approach to road, rail and air travel.

“Shape and Project 4 are innovative and ambitious companies in the sector with which Downtown is most associated, property. Our reach across the UK, the work we do around the property festival MIPIM and our senior level connections among business leaders and decision-makers will enable Shape and Project Four to accelerate their growth plans.”

Stagecoach boss Rob Jones said: “We are determined to become more engaged with the increasingly important transport agenda, whether that be through the Northern Powerhouse and devolution initiatives or the climate emergency.

“The bus maybe seen as some as a Cinderella service as far as these strategic issues are concerned, but actually we have a huge, positive role to play.” 

Project Four managing director Alan Robson added: “I know Downtown well having worked with them during my time at Innov8. They are second to none in their field in terms of connections at a public and private sector level.”

And Shape director Barry Wilson also said: “Following our successful sponsorship of the Liverpool City Region MIPIM delegation, Shape was looking for a strategic partner who could help us build on the work we have done through that initiative.”

Among other Downtown sponsors in 2020 are Laing O’ Rourke, Bruntwood, Deloitte, Uber, Begbies Traynor, Recycling Lives, Reich Insurance and Kier.