The Linking the Locks project was officially launched in Warrington and Widnes at events held at True Fit Golf Centre, Cuerdley and the Catalyst Science Museum, Spike Island. Delivered by Warrington & Co. this is a joint project between Warrington BC and Halton BC with specialist input from the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS).

Joanne Lomax and Jonathan Aghanian, Warrington & Co.

Funded by the Coastal Communities Fund, Linking the Locks will provide a package of support to businesses and organisations located along the route of the Sankey Canal.

During each launch event, attended by a mixture of local businesses, partners and key agencies in Warrington and Halton, delegates reacted positively to news of the project’s aims which includes:

+ Financial Support with Apprentice Wage Costs – allowing businesses to pay at least National Minimum Wage to their Apprentices, improving retention, long-term development and attracting the best candidates

+ FREE support with Recruitment – including advertising, pre-screening and ongoing support once the Apprentice is in post

+ Accessing wider business support from local partners – additional training/development needs are met using local b2b referrals, accessing relevant funding support wherever possible

+ The long-term vision for the Sankey Canal – both Warrington BC and Halton BC aim to re-establish the historic canal to full navigation, thereby generating new leisure/tourism and business opportunities to both Boroughs

+ Developing employment skills – utilising expert input from SCARS, the project will also create community-based projects that will improve the confidence, employment-related skills and also lead to recognised qualifications for local residents in each Borough

Speaking at the events, Jonathan Aghanian, Business Development Officer for the project, said, “this is a unique programme for small-medium businesses based along the historic Sankey Canal route.

Not only will the project make a valued contribution to improvements in the local environment, crucially it will enable businesses to access financial assistance and expert guidance on recruiting and retaining skills Apprentices/Trainees in the local areas.

Coupled with the ability to access wider support from our partners in this project, it really does present a fantastic opportunity for organisations within Warrington and Widnes.”

To find out more, click here or contact Jonathan/Joanne via 01925 444009 or email jaghanian@warringtonandco.com