The economy of Warrington has strengths across the service sector as well as in telecoms and chemicals manufacturing. Within 30 minutes of Warrington a broad range of sectors are represented. In particular the proportion of employees in business administration and support is significant.

Mickledore observe that the Warrington area has particular strengths in a range of service sector activities such as architecture, building services and office administration. In addition the area has strengths in telecommunications and manufacturing of chemicals. Employment data for the catchment area demonstrates not only the professional services skills within Warrington and beyond with financial; legal; accounting; business services and architecture but also the presence of major employers involved in management services as well as distribution. The employment of over 44,000 in specialist construction activities and a further 30,000 involved in architecture and engineering demonstrates a depth of civil engineering expertise in the region. The town has a specific strength in engineering for the nuclear sector. Key companies in Warrington in the nuclear sector include Sellafield Ltd., AMEC Nuclear, NNL, Rolls Royce Nuclear and Jacobs Engineering. More generally other important employers include Bet Fred, Fujitsu, BT, Solvay and Unilever.

The Nuclear and energy sector is not only an important sector within the Warrington economy. It is of strategic importance to the national policy framework. The leading nuclear and energy supply chain businesses are located in Warrington, primarily on the greater Birchwood business park site. In recognition of its centre of excellence role, 2011 saw the formation in Warrington of the Nuclear Forum. Although centred on Birchwood, and led by Birchwood-based AMEC, the Forum’s membership includes nuclear sector-related businesses from across the North West, including Sellafield. Other major companies in the energy sector located in Warrington include Schneider Electric, Vestas and Electricity North West.

Mickledore’s intelligence findings conclude that Cheshire and Warrington has out-performed the North West region in securing chemical, software, business services, pharmaceutical and automotive assembly investment.

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