Frank McKenna
Chairman

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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 is 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@downtowninbusiness.com

Roger Jonas
Events Manager

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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.

roger.jonas@downtowninbusiness.com

Chris Wilcox
Website
Coordinator

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Chris Wilcox permenantly joined the DLIB 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 Liverpool band -The Beatles.

chris.wilcox@downtowninbusiness.com

Chris McKenna
Assistant Events
Coordinator

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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, being a sensible man, is a big Evertonian, which would mean his favourite place to visit in the city is the famous Goodison Park. (He was also very fortunate to play there as a youngster).

For an after work drink Chris’ enjoys a beer in The Noble House and enjoys eating at Il Forno and Alma de Cuba. If he was putting a record on the jukebox, his choice would be simple, the greatest band ever, The Beatles.

chris.mckenna@downtowninbusiness.com

Sarah Wilcox
Office Manager

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Sarah Wilcox re-joined the Downtown team in June 2010 after returning from maternity leave, as our Relationship 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-six 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@downtowninbusiness.com