Robert Downes

@themonk1967 Funny.

Friday innit 😎

I knew it wouldn't be long before we got the 'top driving tips' to save on rocketing fuel costs: the AA has said (seriously) drivers should drive less; while the RAC advices its members to avoid harsh accelerating & braking. Crisis avoided. 😔 🤡

March is a busy month for trade shows in GM, not least the #BuryMeansBusiness annual shebang! We're exhibiting this year! 👇 eventbrite.co.uk/e/bury-means-b… @burymeansbiz

The Spring Statement, which sums up you best? 1) A must watch 2) Nothing to see here 3) Irrelevent after the weekend's black swan event

Fascinating development today with ministers considering slowing down plans to pay adults of all ages the same minimum wage, with the policy being blamed for spiralling unemployment in 18-24 year olds. It goes deeper than that, but it would be a start. bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

Cheap/no town centre car parking = great footfall/all is good. Expensive parking = the polar opposite. This is just not fair or right in the current economic climate @StockportMBC #Stockport news.google.com/read/CBMiWkFVX… @BBCRadioManc

Congrats to all involved in the #Rochdale in Bloom project, the town making the shortlist for the 2026 finals. A huge community effort to make the town a nicer place to visit - and which means a lot to so many high street businesses there👏🏻 @RochdaleCouncil

@80s_Kidz Love it. Not sure Blockbusters was around in the 80s though.

Growing up in the 80s. I miss them so much🥺 Credit:@British_Brainrot

@SHAccountants @fsb_policy @BBCNews Quite a bit of eye-rolling from people I've spoken to about this, but we should be positive this will happen. I think it will happen - and I'm the most cynical of people!

@fsb_policy @FSBManchester @BBCNews Great news for northern businesses! 🤝 This investment could be a game-changer for growth and connectivity. Fingers crossed for that concrete, long-term commitment to make it a reality! ✨👏

🚆 The Government's plans to invest billions in Northern Powerhouse Rail will help to unlock the growth potential of small businesses across the north of England, FSB's Robert Downes @FSBManchester told @BBCNews . However, this must be a concrete commitment to long-term rail investment 👇

Might we at last be getting some meaningful news on east-west rail connectivity improvements with a revived Norther Powerhouse Rail plan at some point this week? High speed between #Liverpool to #Manchester via Ringway - yes please CX!! @FSBMerseyside

Britain’s high streets are set for a challenging year, no one would dispute that. High streets need some love. At what point will local councils wake up and pull some of their own levers to help? #Tameside & #Rochdale are leading the way!

. @sister_mcr I am trying to make a room hire enquiry on your online booking system , but the system is not working and won't let me submit the form. Could somebody give me a shout please? robert.downes@fsb.org.uk

Very wet and stormy weather forecast for tonight and tomorrow. If the A555 floods again that will be four floodings (and closure) in less than 12 months. 🌊

📢Great news for shoppers but more importantly businesses in this most important trading period, that the planned Metrolink strikes over Dec 5, 6, 7 have been called off as Unite ballot their members on an offer. 🤞🏻

📢 Huge news on the Employment Rights Bill yesterday evening around day one rights. If you ever wonder what business groups like FSB do behind the scenes for our members, this is a great example. 👍🏻

Well done #Middleton for scooping double gold at the Britain in Bloom comp for their town centre flower displays. Loads of people contributed to this, well done everyone involved. More pride in all our town centres like this please, it does make a difference! @RochdaleCouncil

Always good to meet MPs on patch to talk through some of the issues affecting small businesses. Really enjoyed a coffee and chat with Heywood & Middleton North MP @elsieblundell this afternoon who was all ears re. our procurement pilot and how it's benefitting #Rochdale firms.

📢 Here's an unwanted FYI for anyone relying on buses to get about #GreaterManchester 👇🏻

@SHAccountants @TamesideCouncil 100%. All councils should do this or something similar if they really cared about their high streets and the communities they serve.

@FSBManchester @TamesideCouncil Great to see local businesses thriving! A little change can make a big difference. 👋✨🤝

📢NEWSFLASH: traders in #Tameside see massive increase in footfall after two hours of free parking introduced in June. Wow, who'd have thought. Bravo @TamesideCouncil manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/gamble-ov…