PRICE volatility is a concern for business and consumers alike.

People will often accept a higher price without risk, than gamble with a potentially cheaper option.

Take the rationale for fixed-rate mortgages as an example. Businesses need to budget and certainty will usually win over risk. Lately the unexpected falling price of oil has brought about financial benefits for both consumers and businesses.

If the price of an energy source goes down, then the price of everything that is manufactured or transported goes down. Indeed even getting to work becomes cheaper. Sometimes volatility can be helpful! Recent reports on the relatively high employment rates within Warrington bring with them a concern that these might prove a risk for business due to increased wage costs.

However, before we become concerned many other factors come into play. Average wages in Warrington are still low in comparison to many other ‘commercial’ cities. Housing is affordable when considered against other areas too.

Warrington is very well connected by the motorway network, allowing a commuting workforce.

Finally employment levels are good, but could still be better, there is space.

Therefore doing business in Warrington is still likely to make very good sense for some time to come.

  •  Professor Lawrence Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester’s Padgate Campus and writes a regular column for business.