Liverpool lobby and networking group Downtown in Business suspended its evens programme in March due to the coronavirus lockdown – now they are set to resume

Business networking and lobby group Downtown in Business is to resume its live events programme in August following the COVID-19 lockdown easing.

DIB will be holding a series of ‘invitation only’ lunches in Liverpool next month and chief executive Frank McKenna said that he can’t wait to start to experience face-to-face meetings again.

He added: “We have organised around 100 Zoom webinars since lockdown in mid-March. As much as those get togethers have been useful, they are no substitute for live events. I have missed being able to interact with people, share thoughts and ideas and get that ‘live’ events buzz and I know our members have too.

“We want to play our part in signalling to the business community that lockdown is now over. We need to be encouraging businesses back into our cities and back into our wonderful hospitality establishments.

“Of course, we will ensure that all the necessary safety measures are in place; and we will be limiting the numbers at our events. Nonetheless, we will be creating that special atmosphere that DIB generates at its events, using some great venues, with contributions from top class speakers.”

The first confirmed event will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 19, at the Hilton Hotel. Transport will be the focus of the special ‘leader’s lunch’, with Liverpool John Lennon Airport chief executive John Irving and the chair of the Merseytravel Cllr Liam Robinson will be the keynote speakers.

Other speakers lined up for DIB events next month are Liverpool City Council boss Tony Reeves, the shadow sport minister Alison McGovern and the chief executive of the Knowledge Quarter Colin Sinclair.