THE fifth Warrington Business Conference which attracted an audience of around 300 local businesses has been hailed the “best yet.”
The event, hosted by Chris Maguire and involving two panels, including the town’s two MPs, Charlotte Nichols and Sarah Hall, took place at Cineworld in Time Square. The theme was “Brand Warrington.”
Reflecting on the event last Friday, Warrington Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Stephen Fitzsimons said: “I felt that the 5th Warrington Business Conference was the best so far. Over 250 delegates contributed to the theme of “Brand Warrington”, highlighting several companies that have a significant presence in the town. One of these is Hoover-Candy who have their UK headquarters at Birchwood Park and are the main shirt sponsor for Warrington Wolves. The audience received an exclusive unveiling of the new Hoover brand logo. Greenall’s have been distilling gin since 1761, however, some local residents are unaware that they continue to do so, having moved to Risley from Wilderspool Causeway in 2007. “A drop of Greatness” was offered in the shape of a free sample for delegate goodie bags.
“Place branding can be challenging so it was really useful to hear how the town’s MPs sell Warrington to government and potential investors. Similarly for the Council – Growth Director, Steve Park, felt that despite the many different facets of the local proposition, “success” is the overarching message. Warrington has a strong reputation for public and private partnership with the conference a tangible example of this, being jointly delivered by Warrington & Co, the Business Exchange and the Chamber of Commerce.
He added: “The feedback has been really positive and it is highly satisfying to see so many business people from a variety of different sectors get together to celebrate the success of one of the strongest economies in the North of England.”