Warrington Business Conference 2026

Fri 18 Sep 26

Warrington Business Conference 2026: A Morning of Momentum, Networks, and Sustainable Vision

One of the North West’s most anticipated business events returned to Warrington this morning as the seventh annual Warrington Business Conference took over Cineworld at Times Square. Organised by Warrington Chamber Plus, the event drew more than 300 business leaders, entrepreneurs, and key decision-makers from across the region.

Far more than a snapshot of the current business climate, the conference offered a rare chance to connect with some of the area’s most influential figures – and to explore how sustainability is shaping the future of our local economy.

This year’s theme, Sustainable Warrington, put the spotlight firmly on the role businesses can play in building a greener, more resilient future for the town and beyond.

Business Spotlight

Lilibet Sews

Ian chats to Liz from Lilibet Sews in Warrington. Liz set up her business during lockdown with the help of the Community Catalyst Programme and now offers personalised one to one sewing lessons in the comfort of your home in Warrington and surrounding areas.

SPOTLIGHT

Lilibet Sews Ian

A Positive Start with Chris Maguire

From the outset, the atmosphere was upbeat and forward-looking. The event was hosted by the charismatic Chris Maguire, who struck just the right balance between serious business insight and light-hearted moments to keep the energy high throughout the morning.

Delegates enjoyed a series of thought-provoking presentations and two lively panel discussions, beginning with an opening address from Nick Walkely, Chief Executive of the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority.

See our coverage of the launch of the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority Here

The New Combined Authority: What It Means for Warrington

The newly formed Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority is set to become a major player in the region’s future – and Nick Walkely offered some early clarity on what it could mean for local businesses and residents.

Key points from his address included:

Investment: Access to a 30-year investment fund worth more than £650 million.
Key Areas: Greater local control over transport, housing, skills training, and economic growth.

Nick explained that significant work is already underway behind the scenes, with residents of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, and Warrington set to vote for the region’s first mayor next May. As public awareness grows, MIX56 will be following the devolution process closely – so be sure to stay tuned for updates.

Ben Fletcher: The Conservative Mayoral Candidate for the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority

ben fletcher conservative mayoral candidate for cheshire with Paul MIX56 — Ben Fletcher is the Conservative Mayoral Candidate for the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority

Paul caught up with Conservative candidate Ben Fletcher, who gave an overview of what the mayoral role will involve and how he sees the post shaping growth, housing and investment across the sub‑region.

It’s still early days and formal campaigning has not yet begun, but two candidates are now in the hat: Ben Fletcher for the Conservatives, and Dan Price for Labour.

MIX56 listeners will know Dan Price as the current Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire; he is standing as Labour’s candidate for the new mayoral post, with the first election due in May 2027.

Ben Fletcher Conservative Candidate Ian

Delegate Vox Pops

Vox Pops Ian

Dave Thompson MBE: Sustainability in Action

Dave Thompson MBE Disability Partnership Warrington Business Conference 2026 MIX56 — Dave Thompson MBE, CEO of the Disability Partnership chats to Smithy on MIX56

One of the most inspirational voices of the morning came from Dave Thompson MBE, CEO of the Disability Partnership.

Long-time listeners to MIX56 will know the incredible work Dave and his team deliver from their Independent Living Centre in Warrington, as well as their mobility and independent living shops in Warrington, Birchwood, and Liverpool.

For Dave, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a core part of the charity’s mission. He shared how the organisation is going above and beyond to improve efficiency and reduce its environmental footprint.

From installing solar panels and LED lighting at their headquarters to running an international recycling initiative called the Phoenix Project, the charity’s efforts are making a real difference.

Through the Phoenix Project, pre-owned or unwanted life-changing equipment is shipped to communities in places like Ukraine, Egypt, and Sudan – giving vital resources a second life where they’re needed most.

Dave Thompson MBE Ian

Business Spotlight

Bents Garden Centre

Smithy meets Matthew Bent from Bents Garden Centre, a family business which has been operating in Glazebury since 1937. The company is a significant employer in Warrington employing up to 500 staff.

SPOTLIGHT

Bents Garden Centre Ian

Net Zero North West: Big Steps Toward a Greener Future

Net Zero can mean different things to different people – but for businesses looking to decarbonise or simply understand the science better, Net Zero North West is leading the way. This industry-led cluster acts as a public and private sector investment accelerator for industrial decarbonisation and clean growth.

Chief Executive Jane Gatson delivered an engaging overview of the progress already made – and the huge potential for the North West to play its part. One highlight was news of a new hybrid furnace being commissioned at a glass factory in Elton.

Set to run on a combination of hydrogen and green electricity, the furnace is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 90% once operational in 2027.

The message throughout the morning was clear: businesses across Warrington and the wider region are stepping up when it comes to sustainability – and investment in this area is a strong sign of positive change.

Education and Engagement: The University of Chester’s Role

Before the break, Vivek Mathur, Environmental Manager at the University of Chester, offered an insightful look at the sustainability efforts underway across the university’s sites. He highlighted how students are not only engaging with these initiatives but actively driving change – a reminder that embedding sustainability education from a young age is key to building a brighter future.

Meeting local MPs in attendance

Also at the Warrington Business Conference were two local MPs who are actively championing the area as a place to do business.

Sarah Hall, MP for Warrington South, and Esther McVey, MP for Tatton – which includes Lymm – both took part in the event, underlining the cross‑party support for growing investment and opportunity across Warrington and wider Cheshire.

Their presence highlighted how local leaders are working to promote the borough and the wider sub‑region to businesses, investors and partners

Sarah Hall MP Ian

Esther McVey MP Ian

Business Spotlight

Barrow Electrical

Barrow Electrical is a Warrington-based NICEIC-approved commercial electrical contractor working with facilities managers, estates teams and procurement leads across the UK.

SPOTLIGHT

Laurence Barrow Ian

Panel Discussions: Travel and Manufacturing Take Centre Stage

Two dynamic panel discussions rounded out the morning’s agenda, focusing on Sustainable Travel and Sustainable Manufacturing.

Sustainable Travel Panel:

Mark Osborne, Regional Growth Manager, Avanti West Coast
John Irving, Chief Executive, Liverpool John Lennon Airport
Ben Fletcher, Conservative candidate for the Cheshire & Warrington Combined Authority Mayoral role

Sustainable Manufacturing Panel:

Sarah Hall, MP for South Warrington
Michelle Lewis, Communications Officer, Essar Energy
Robert Madden, EMRA Leader, Novellis

Both sessions sparked lively Q&As, with delegates asking probing questions and sharing insights on how these key sectors can continue to evolve in a more sustainable direction.

Stephen Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Warrngton Chamber Plus

stephen fitzsimons warrington chamber plus Chief Executive MIX56 — Stephen Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Warrington Chamber Plus with Paul Smith of MIX56

After the main conference, Stephen Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Warrington Chamber Plus, caught up with Paul during the networking lunch. Stephen was in an upbeat mood – not just because the event had run smoothly, but because of the positivity he felt across the room.

He acknowledged that doing business in the current environment remains a challenge, but said the message from Warrington and Cheshire is clear: We’re fighting forward.

Stephen also took the chance to remind listeners about the range of services offered by Warrington Chamber Plus, from business support and networking to advocacy and training for local firms.

Stephen Fitzsimons Ian

Closing on a High Note

As the conference drew to a close, delegates were invited to continue the conversations over a networking lunch at the fabulous Zeytin Restaurant in the town centre.

Cllr Hitesh Patel, responsible for Economy, Growth & Quality at Warrington Borough Council, delivered the closing remarks.

He summarised the morning’s key themes and left attendees with a positive, upbeat message: Warrington is not only a leading force in sustainability – it’s a great, forward-looking place to do business.

Business Spotlight

Zeytin Mediterranean Restaurant

After the conference there was a networking lunch held at the fabulous Zeytin Restaurant on Bridge Street. Smithy had a chat with proprietor Ozgur who had some exciting news to share about the launch of their Christmas menu!

SPOTLIGHT