Robert Downes

Development Manager representing over 4,000 SMEs in Greater Manchester. Tweeting business info, events, and news in the area. #FSBMCR @fsb_policy @FSB_voice

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

@richboxy Well, use 'em or lose 'em. But that's very much the issue: your average Joe is skint, consumer budgets are being hammered by energy, fuel, food, etc. There's not much left at the end of the month for going out.

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

UK currently losing a pub a day, 300 shuttered in first 9 months of '26 new data shows. We will never get these back, we are waving farewell to a big part of our cultural heritage. We need to call time on this, starting in the Budget!

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

Fascinating day ahead in #Manchester

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

Heading into #Manchester shortly for a prompt payment policy event with Small Biz Commisioner Emma Jones and Number 10 North, on connecting SMEs to the growth agenda and tackling late payments - two massive priorities for our members. #LatePayments

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

I for one won't be shedding any tears over #Avanti. I just hope the government address the eye-watering prices which are the only things guaranteed with these shoddy services.

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

The employment tribunal backlog reached an all-time high this week, unresolved single claims topped 70,000, pushing newly scheduled hearings into 2029. Statistics from Apr to Jun show a 9% surge in open single cases. Wonder why? #ERA

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

@BBCBreakfast Hilarious to see the 'South' now spooked by the North at last on the edge of getting a fair look in. Unjustified sour grapes.

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

⛽Oil prices have fallen to levels last seen before the start of the Iran war. I was paying £126.9 for U/L in late Feb - so a way to go yet - but good to see none the less👇

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

@CountBinface No doubt, the most amusing interview of the campaign. That tickled me😆😆😆

[Count Binface @CountBinface]

I enjoyed every second of this interview. Which makes one of us…

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

📢Looking forward to being at @TamesideMnsBiz event this Thursday, both on our trade stand and on the stage for a panel session to talk about #procurement with @STARProcurement and others. Tickets are free 👇https://t.co/58MaJo8fdl

[Liverpool BA @LiverpoolBA]

FSB members warmly welcomed to catch up with the @FSBManchester team and take advantage of great networking opportunities at #ManchesterBizFair Weds 15 July Mercure Bolton Georgian House Hotel Free to visit - lots of great features - Exhibit from £275+VAT https://t.co/lubO3HBePb

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

Chancellor considering a freeze on rents within the private sector for a limited period as higher prices caused by the Iran war continue to put household budgets under significant pressure. Who would want to be a landlord right now? #Landlords https://t.co/bsA4s0TO2v

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

High street retailers are on the brink. Why do our decision makers in high office keep pulling all the wrong policy leavers?😒

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

📢 Small business owners! If you're sales & marketing efforts need a pit-stop...👇 central-Manchester, May 15! #AI
https://t.co/4HBIRlhhyn

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

@Tweeter2025UK @Daily_Express Actually illegal to conceal an object in a retail premises in the UK. He has already committed enough of an offence to be kicked out if anyone was there to enforce it.

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

Great news that #Adlington new town housing estate in #Cheshire has been kicked in to touch. #Stockport, #Poynton, #Woodford #Macclesfield collective sighs of relief all around.

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

@themonk1967 Funny.

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

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. 😔 🤡

[Robert Downes @FSBManchester]

March is a busy month for trade shows in GM, not least the #BuryMeansBusiness annual shebang! We're exhibiting this year! 👇 https://t.co/qOHzTRQ4uk @burymeansbiz