Halton Forum Drives Economic Confidence

A confident outlook for Halton

Although the national picture remains broadly static, the clear message from the forum was that the North West – and Halton in particular – is quietly bucking the trend, with steady, positive growth and exciting opportunities on the horizon.

Businesses heard how our borough’s strategic location, strong sector mix and culture of collaboration are helping local firms stay resilient, competitive and ready to grow.

Economist Christian Spence set the scene with an accessible overview of the current UK economic climate, explaining the challenges businesses are navigating as well as the areas where confidence is starting to return. He highlighted encouraging signs across the North West, where investment, innovation and skills are combining to create real momentum for the region.

Practical support for skills and growth

Alongside the economic update, delegates also benefited from practical advice from Joe Keegan of the Liverpool City Region Skills Brokerage Team, who outlined the wealth of funded skills and training support available to local employers.

Joe showcased how businesses of every size can tap into tailored help with recruitment, upskilling existing staff and planning for future workforce needs.

A key theme throughout the morning was that nobody in Halton has to grow their business alone. Attendees were able to explore a vibrant marketplace of support, featuring UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)–backed programmes offering help with skills development, digital marketing and carbon reduction, as well as access to wider business advice and specialist services.

For entrepreneurs and established firms alike, it was a powerful reminder of the superb network of expertise that exists on their doorstep.

A morning of conversation and connection

The event had a friendly, informal feel, expertly compered by Paul Smith from the MIX56 Breakfast Show, who kept the morning flowing and the audience fully engaged.

Out on the floor, MIX56’s Ian James was on hand with his roving microphone, chatting to business owners, exhibitors and representatives from Halton Borough Council to capture their stories, successes and ambitions for the year ahead.

From innovative start ups taking their first steps, to global companies proud to call Halton home, the conversations all pointed in the same direction: confidence, collaboration and a shared belief in the borough’s potential. Many delegates commented on how valuable it was simply to be in the same room, swapping ideas and forging new partnerships that will continue long after the forum itself.

Hear the highlights on MIX56

If you missed the event – or you were there and would like to relive some of the best moments – you can hear the MIX56 report from the Halton Economic Forum & Marketplace 2026, featuring interviews, reaction and key insights from the day.

It’s a celebration of the innovation, resilience and community spirit that make Halton such an exciting place to do business, and a reminder that, even in a challenging economic climate, our borough is firmly focused on growth, opportunity and the future.