TWO of the north west's political heavyweights will launch this year's Warrington Business Awards.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, and Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, will be guest speakers at the event at the Peace Centre on Thursday, February 1.

This year's awards will again take place at Lymm Rugby Club on June 8.

Danny Hudson, partner at Watsons Solicitors and member of the organising committee, said: “Warrington represents the third largest economy in the north west of England and we are delighted that the town’s significance is appreciated by both mayors of our larger neighbours who have accepted our invitation to officially launch the Warrington Business Awards 2018.

"Warrington is half way between two economic and cultural powerhouses, so to have Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram in Warrington and sharing their thoughts on the prosperity and future economic growth of the north west is extremely exciting.

"Both mayors are passionate about the region as a whole as well as Manchester and Liverpool and we look forward to welcoming them.”

Warrington Guardian:

Limited tickets for the launch dinner can be purchased at £25 per head by emailing wendy.parry@foundation4peace.org.

Jennifer McGuinness, solicitor at FDR Law and member of the organising committee, added: “The Warrington Business Awards 2018 promises to bigger and better than ever.

"Since we hosted the 2015 and 2016 awards we have been delighted with the feedback from winners who have shared their stories of how winning an award has had a positive impact on their businesses.

“We are also delighted to be launching the Warrington Business Awards 2018 at the Peace Centre as this year the Awards will be supporting the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Foundation’s Unique Achievement campaign, which marks the 25th anniversary of the Warrington bombings and the unique work the foundation has undertaken since.”