By Stephen Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Warrington & Vale Royal Chamber of Commerce
It’s been an honour to work in Warrington for nearly as long as Warrington Worldwide and I’m part of the “born or drawn here” contingent.
I still call junction 8 of the M62 the “new one”, remember the Halliwell Jones stadium being shiny new and recall when Warrington Market had more meat stalls than anyone could possibly require!
The business community has changed significantly during this time, and although some might lament the demise of the town’s industrial pioneers, you can still see their successors if you know where to look.
Greenall’s might have moved gin production from Wilderspool to Birchwood, however they are still exporting around the world as part of Quintessential Brands. The Crosfield name has gone, but you can still find Ecovyst and PQ Silicas producing speciality chemicals at the same bend of the River Mersey. Wire production seems to live on only through Warrington Wolves, until you hear that companies such as Graepels of Burtonwood continue to produce mesh and cages, including for a James Bond villain!
It might be more difficult to see the Warrington economy in action (or smell – Tetley Walkers anyone?), however rest assured that it has evolved into one of the strongest in the North of England. Of course, logistics companies will always gravitate here because of the three motorways, West Coast Mainline and two international airports (which we have annexed for “Greater” Warrington). It’s also worth highlighting that companies like Amazon have highly sophisticated engineering jobs supporting automation and robotics so not always justified as low value. However, the real strength in the local economy is through the intellectual capital generated from the (nuclear) engineering companies at Birchwood Park – Sellafield, Jacobs, Rolls Royce, Nuvia and many others.
One organisation has of course endured throughout my time in Warrington and all the way back to its launch in 1876. The Chamber of Commerce has survived a Great Recession, two world wars and a global pandemic. It continues to provide the documentation for local manufacturers to send their products all over the world. It works with local and national politicians to ensure that their challenges and opportunities are incorporated into government policy. As you’ll see again at the 11th October Warrington Business Conference, it brings businesses together to network, lobby and learn from each other. Many of us might be out to pasture in another 20 years, however the Chamber will still be here – financially secure and supporting local companies, together with the Business Exchange and Warrington & Co. If you want to access this community, drop us a line and let’s have a chat!
