Why town's economy remains strong

BOROUGH Council leader Terry O’Neill has spelled out the reasons why Warrington’s economy remains strong and continuing to attract business to the town.
Cllr O’Neill says the town may be experiencing a lower increase in business start-ups than some other areas, but it is outperforming many places across the country in terms of economic measures.
In fact, if a place was created for business, it would be Warrington, he says.
Cllr O’Neill was responding to a recent report on the growth of new businesses across the country.
He said Warrington was in the top half of the region in terms of economic growth figures and had 19 companies with their headquarters in the town.
This year’s Centre for Cities report identifies the town as having the 8th highest earnings of major towns and cities in the UK, the 7th highest proportion of private sector employment and the 7th highest employment rate.
The business services sector is Warrington’s largest employment sector type and the town has a higher than average employment base in chemicals and basic metal industries, energy, water supply, engineering and architecture, telecoms and business services
Cllr O’Neill (pictured) said: “Warrington’s success is based on a diverse portfolio – excellent business location, tourist destination, affordable housing and a wealth of retail, leisure and cultural activities.
“Put together, they contribute to our strong economic position, recognised recently by Centre for Cities research, and are continuing to attract both the business and retail sector.
“We are positioning ourselves to be even more competitive with exciting development strategies and to make sure our infrastructure, further education and development opportunities are ready to cope with our continued growth.”
Cllr O’Neill said that together with urban regeneration partnership Warrington and Co, the council was committed to providing a home where a wide range of businesses can flourish.
“There are many projects that will help us achieve this including developing a business incubation and start up centre as part of our ambitious plans to create business districts in the town.
“Our commitment is also reflected in our new campaign for Warrington, coined with businesses and the third sector as ‘It’s All Going On In Warrington’.
“Our message is come along and get involved – we’ve got fantastic opportunities for people to join us on this incredible journey.”