IF you own a gym then January is a good time for you.

One too many mince pies over Christmas, coupled with a new year resolution, sees the memberships rise.

New year is a time for change and a new career direction is something which people often choose. The opportunities around Warrington have never been better.

Although there have been some job losses, for firms such as Fujitsu, overall there have been gains, with firms now covering the Omega site.

Logistics and manufacturing companies continue to be drawn to Warrington due to the good transport links, availability of facilities and skilled workforce in the area.

Compared to areas such as London and Manchester, Warrington offers employers a high value solution at a lower cost.

Maintaining this advantage could be challenging if the skills run out though.

Changing your career often means upskilling. Taking a course comes before a new job.

Currently areas in healthcare and engineering are desperate for people with the right profile to fill vacancies.

If you are moving from one job to another transferable skills are the game and with the right piece of paper a new direction.

So enjoy the break and return with a new future ahead.

  •  LAWRENCE Bellamy is associate dean at the University of Chester’s Padgate campus.