The conference, which welcomed around 200 delegates to a combination of Time Square venues – Cookhouse at Warrington Market, Cineworld and The Botanist – brought companies together to discuss ‘The Road to Recovery’.

As well as finding out more about Warrington’s continuing regeneration plans and support for business growth, businesses also had the opportunity to enjoy the stunning, multi-million pound development for themselves, including walking tours of the venues.

Keynote speaker for the event was Paul Scully MP, Under Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, who set out the government’s plans for economic recovery, post-COVID.

Delegates also heard from Andy Carter MP, Warrington South (‘Supporting SME Growth’), John Laverick, Managing Director of Warrington and Co (‘Evolution Warrington’), Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost, University of Chester, Prof. Helen O’Sullivan (‘An Academic Catalyst’), and Cllr Tom Jennings, cabinet member for economic development and innovation. 

Panel sessions explored support for business growth and the green revolution – why sustainable and environmentally friendly practices will help support economic recovery.

Cllr Jennings said: “This year’s Warrington Business Conference has been such a big success. It gave us a fantastic opportunity to network, share ideas and to reaffirm our commitment to work together to strengthen our economy.

“Warrington has a resilient and successful business community and it’s vital we do all we can to support them on the road to recovery. This event formed part of that work, placing local companies at the heart of the discussions, as we continue the work to make Warrington a place where businesses of all sizes can thrive, grow and succeed.”

The Warrington Business Conference 2021 was sponsored by British Business Bank, DriveWorks, and FDR Law. The event was funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-20.