WARRINTON’S high technology hub The Base has passed a key employment milestone due to the town’s thriving SME sector.

Based on Dallam Lane, the building is now home to more than 200 employees spread across 21 businesses.

Sylvie Morton, business development manager at Langtree, said: "We add another 10 per cent to our number of employees each year just from the growth generated by our tenants.

"It’s an impressive run-rate and certainly outstrips the national figure.

"Many of our tenants are providing the technological know-how to support the shift towards Industry 4.0 and as they grow they’ll future-proof the town’s economy. They tell us that we offer the flexible, high quality space many are looking for to support their ambitions.”

The Base has attracted a wide range of employers involved in software, IT, engineering and technology consultancy, with 13 new arrivals in the past 12 months.

Three companies have expanded their office space this year and in a 2017 survey tenants recorded average sales growth of 52.2 per cent year-on-year.

Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co, added: "The Warrington economy has a great SME base to match the large number of major employers attracted by its connectivity and availability of suitable premises.

“The Base has developed its own eco-system, with many tenants collaborating on projects. The energy of the place is compelling."