Frank is the Chairman of Downtown Liverpool In Business.

Frank is the founder member and Chairman of Downtown Liverpool In Business, that now boasts a membership of over 300 – a membership that includes some of Liverpool’s most influential businesses and entrepreneurs.

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 to a Lancashire MP for seven years.

Described at that time as “the most powerful politician in the North West”, Frank has re-established himself as a key figure in the region, via his business interests. Named as one of the most influential people in Merseyside by the Liverpool Daily Post, he was also placed in the Liverpool Echo’s 2008 ‘Scouserati’ list, and appeared in Liverpool.com as one of the most popular Liverpudlians to invite to a party!

Frank served as a member of the Merseyside Entrepreneurs Think Tank, a group established by the Government Office in 2003, and has an impressive network of contacts within the hierarchies of government institutions, regionally and nationally.

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.

An avid Evertonian (a season ticket holder for over thirty years), his favourite Liverpool band is China Crisis, his fave Liverpool tune ‘When I dream’ by Teardrop Explodes. Liverpool’s famous waterfront if Frank’s favourite place and he enjoys the odd drink in a number of local establishments including The Newz Bar, Living Room and Bar & Grill.

frank.mckenna@downtownliverpool.com

Christopher joined Downtown in November 2007 as our new Business Development Manager. Prior to joining us Chris was Constituency Manager for West Lancashire MP, Rosie Cooper. Chris was responsible for all her political campaigning, speechwriting, Parliamentary research, and media relations. He has also worked in local government for the London Borough of Southwark formulating equalities policy in the social policy unit.

Chris began his career as a research consultant with the regeneration and economic development policy organisation the Centre for Local Economic Strategies based in Manchester.

Chris has had articles and research papers on regeneration, poverty and community consultation published and has spoken at a variety of academic and professional conferences. Chris has a strong academic political background with a B.A.(Hons) in Politics and History from Liverpool University and a Masters degree in Public and Social Policy from Brunel University.

Chris is a Liverpool fan and Anfield is his favourite place in Liverpool.

He enjoys a drink in the Newz Bar and his favourite restaurant is the London Carriage Works.

The La’s are his favourite Liverpool band.

chris.mawdsley@downtownliverpool.com

Sarah Wilcox joined the Downtown team in December 2007 as our Office Manager.

Previously she worked in the travel industry as a Resource Analyst, where she was responsible for a team of ten for a national travel company.

A twenty-three year old Liverpool girl, Sarah has a passion for the city, and will also be involved in organising DLIB events. Her main interests are travel (naturally), keeping fit, tap dancing, rather bizarrely, part of her fitness regime, and retail therapy!

Her football colour is Red, and her favourite Liverpool band is The Coral. Sefton (or Seffo) Park is her bestest Liverpool place.

sarah.wilcox@downtownliverpool.com

Roger’s professional career started in set design at the Chester Gateway Theatre back in the 70’s. After a spell as production manager, he moved to Liverpool in 89 to raise funds to open Easy Street Arts Centre and has since managed a number of City venues.

Prior to joining DLIB, he spent two years as production manager with Black Box; a Liverpool based creative arts business where he was responsible for managing their corporate events and North West touring programme.

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.

He is a supporter of Liverpool Football Club; his favourite Liverpool band is Shack; and the River Mersey ferry terminal is his favourite place in the city. Restaurant wise, Geisha gets the thumbs up from Roger.

roger.jonas@downtownliverpool.com