STEVE Park talks success in his latest column

I often get asked the question, what is it about Warrington that makes its economic performance standout.

There are many, many reasons for this, not least the tenacity and acumen of the skilled staff who work in and lead businesses in Warrington, but also high on the list has to be location and transport infrastructure. And if it was the road network that helped establish Warrington's current position, it will be the infrastructure of the future; accessibility to fibre high-speed broadband, that enables businesses to compete in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

It is true to say that in terms of business location criteria for modern businesses the list now includes high speed broadband alongside basics like water and power. So it is very exciting that Warrington is at the forefront of Connecting Cheshire’s, fibre roll out. Research published last week indicates that access to high-speed broadband can add up to 20% to the value of a house.

Announcements were made regarding the fibre roll out programme last year and this month the telephone exchanges for central Warrington, Dallam, Winwick and Westbrook will be among the first to benefit when the fibre goes live.

The exchanges in Padgate and Culcheth will be connected and live later in the year. By the end of 2015 96% of the borough will have access.

I cannot overstate how important that this is and what a great thing it is for Warrington. This places Warrington at the pinnacle of high speed fibre broadband availability in the UK giving business a very real competitive advantage and further enhancing Warrington’s prospects as the location of choice for business.

There is a roadshow that has been organised by Connecting Cheshire arranged at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub from 4.30pm until 8pm on 17 March where experts from BT Openreach will be in attendance to explain the technical and logistical aspects of the scheme and to discuss the programme of roll out across the town. It is free to attend and the team there will be able to advise you how to sign up.

If you are interested in high-speed broadband I would encourage you to attend this roadshow event.”