It seems to me that there is a real sense of optimism around Warrington at the moment.

Maybe it’s because the sun has been putting in a number of appearances recently or perhaps it’s because Wolves have returned to winning ways.

But I think it has more to do with an economic recovery which is beginning to accelerate.

The local businesses I talk to are starting to see their order books expand as confidence returns. At first, they will try to meet demand with their existing staff, meaning more overtime shifts, but as the pace picks up, they have no choice but to employ more people in order to keep up with demand.

A recent report from the Centre for Cities highlights this trend – as the recovery has taken hold, 28% of small businesses in Warrington have expanded and for every SME that has, 8 additional jobs have been created.

Warrington also has the highest proportion of rapidly expanding or “high growth” SMEs which have expanded by 50% or more in the last 3 years. 1 in 6 of Warrington’s small businesses have grown rapidly in the last few years – more than anywhere else in the country.

More people back in work means more people earning a pay packet and able to provide for their families.

Importantly the growth in jobs is coming in full-time positions too, meaning more security for those now back in work.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that everything will now be rosy. There is always a gap between economic growth and wages and I understand that many families in Warrington are still having to make sacrifices in order to make ends meet.

However, we are now heading firmly in the right direction and the Government’s long term economic plan will secure the future for both Warrington and the country.

I’m doing my bit too. In September, my Jobs Club re-starts. It has already helped 200 people find work or start their own businesses. If you or someone you know could benefit, email a CV to wsca@talktalk.net