Last month we held our Annual Property review, an event that has become a firm fixture in the property and business calendar and is a hot ticket with over 220 delegates travelling from across the region to attend.

There was a buoyant atmosphere and a tangible confidence despite the uncertainty that the current economic times present.

Certainly, as the findings of the Property Review showed, Warrington property deals and investment have not faltered. 2016 marked the second highest level of investment transactions since 1999 of which over 50% were industrial transactions.

The office market also showed an increase of 20 percent in total floor space transacted following a record year in 2015, as well as an improved average deal size.

Warrington continues to be viewed as a solid and safe bet for investors and business and at Warrington & Co. it is our job to ensure that it stays that way and investor confidence grows. Warrington & Co. is charged with the delivery of Warrington’s growth framework Warrington Means Business, specifically designed to grow the economy.

Warrington has gradually become renowned across the UK for offering an excellent investment experience and our track record of delivery because of the strength of our partnerships working with Warrington Borough Council and the private sector. We have a ‘can do’ approach which is recognised across the UK. I was told recently by one very large investor that if there was a trip advisor for Inward Investment, Warrington would be number one in the UK!

Despite the economic uncertainty Warrington is brisling with optimism. We stand out as one of the most economically successful cities in the UK and a key engine in the Northern Powerhouse agenda. Through our implementation of the Warrington Means Business framework we aim to keep it there.

We are recognised as a city of ambition and for that reason I am delighted that we are bidding to be Capital of Culture in 2021. I would call on all Warrington businesses to vocalise their backing for the bid. Email me your business name and we’ll add you to the list of supporters.