BUSINESS parks are the drivers of prosperity in the UK economy.

Groups of businesses, often drawn to an area because of a common industry or market focus, will compete and collaborate.

They benefit from local skilled labour, facilities and location advantages.

However, not all business parks are successful and sometimes a key company is at the heart and if they fail, the park suffers. Companies also outgrow the park sometimes and relocation can cause issues for those left behind. Business parks need careful management and support.

Warrington is blessed with very new parks such as Omega (logistics strength) and older parks such as Birchwood.

These require ongoing management and investment to maintain the right conditions for companies to flourish.

As part of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone, Birchwood companies already have some tax breaks to help them and the management team of Patrizia.

It has also benefited from road improvement schemes and unit development too.

Given the high value work which takes place there, maintaining the focus and energy of the park is critical, for the companies there but also for Warrington.

Momentum is everything for success.

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