TAKE any business poll in the past year and you could expect to see Warrington ranked pretty highly.

In the top 10 cities (not because it is a city but because of the size of the population in the town) in the UK, the best place for small business to thrive and one of the largest disposable incomes in the country.

Birchwood Park and Daresbury are already florishing and Omega is now more than a pipe dream and Port Warrington is set to follow.

So why is Warrington good for business?

We asked professor Lawrence Bellamy. Associate dean at the University of Chester’s Padgate campus, he knows more than most about what it takes for a business to thrive.

“By land, by air or by sea: “The location of Warrington on the axis of a North-South, East-West motorway network has been critical in making Warrington a strategic base for the logistics industry.

“It also means that the things that industry makes can be moved easily to their markets. Access to Manchester and Liverpool airports is important to move business people around too, with low-cost airlines making some routes a real bargain.

“Rail links are relatively good too; Manchester and Liverpool are only minutes away and London easily accessible. Historic waterways remain and will pave the way for the Atlantic Gateway and Port Warrington. Businesses expect.

Scope for Development:

“Brownfield sites, established business parks and a positive attitude to investment. If you want to operate here then there are premises of all shapes, sizes and prices.

“If you want to create something there is the room (look at Omega flying now!). If you have a vision for prosperity Warrington Borough Council will help you achieve it (rather than hinder) more than others would.

Northern Nouse:

“Established expertise in high-tech industries surrounds Warrington; Nuclear, Chemicals, Manufacturing, Automotive, Aerospace. Strong Universities across the region provide a stream of able graduates.

“There are world-leading workforces operating in the area.

“So if you want quality staff, then they are probably already in the catchment. Back this up with professional skills; accounting, IT, law, facilities, business administration and we have the full package.

“The Warrington blend makes sense!”