The Chief Executive of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership outlined the strategies currently being used to build a £50bn regional economy, at his Warrington Campus Public Lecture for the University of Chester recently.

Philip Cox’s background includes working on some of the most significant strategic projects in the UK; the Channel Tunnel Rail link (HS1), the Millennium Dome transfer and the creation of Enterprise Zones, which give businesses tax breaks to help them grow.

His presentation identified the key ‘assets’ of Cheshire and Warrington showing where, with the right investment and influence, growth was likely to occur.

The ambitious plan to double the economy by 2040 included a vision for manufacturing, logistics, rail, road and housing development.

Already performing above the national average for output Cheshire and Warrington are a jewel in the North.

Warrington performs most strongly within this region, with around 47% more productive output than the UK baseline.

Warrington almost embarrasses the larger neighbours of Liverpool and Manchester with its commercial success.

Growth and development potential is strong due to a skilled workforce, land availability and established industry clusters. It’s good to know then that with growth, someone is thinking about housing, transport and quality of life too. It all has to join up.

Lawrence Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester's Padgate campus and writes a regular column for business.