Cheshire and Warrington leaders to champion region and business benefits of devolution at UKREiiF
UKREiiF is expected to welcome more than 16,000 delegates
Cheshire and Warrington leaders will descend on UKREiiF next week to showcase investment opportunities across the most productive region in the north of England.
Council, business and third-sector bosses are attending the annual event in Leeds – the biggest regeneration, development and investment conference in the UK – to connect with key industry figures and promote opportunities in Warrington, Chester, Crewe and wider.
The impact of devolution in Cheshire and Warrington, and how additional funding for business support, transport and skills could transform the area, will be central to discussions.
Formed in 2022, the UK Real Estate, Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) - brings together investors, developers, housebuilders and end-users with government, the public sector and the wider built environment industry.
The three-day event is expected to welcome more than 16,000 delegates at the Royal Armouries, Leeds from May 20-22.
And leaders of Cheshire and Warrington’s three councils will use the platform to outline to businesses the opportunities devolution could bring – as well as showcasing the scale of the investment and growth potential as part of a collective vision for the area to be the healthiest, most sustainable, inclusive and growing economy in the UK.
The three local authorities are currently working together, alongside Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, to secure a devolution agreement with government.
They believe it would give the area more say in its own future and more power to improve the things that matter to residents and businesses like transport, the economy, and job opportunities. This work would be led by an elected mayor, allowing greater local control and providing a voice at national and international level.
Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee, said: “With world leading life sciences, clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors, unrivalled connectivity and quality of life, Cheshire and Warrington is the place for business.
“Devolution would improve transport and connectivity and unlock more funding for investment in skills training and businesses – accelerating economic growth and leading to even more jobs and better opportunities for our residents.
“Our region is already the most productive in the north and we will once again be using UKREiiF as a platform to promote our collective ambitions and help attract more investment and talent to Cheshire and Warrington.”
Council leaders will join representatives including officials from Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington, Cheshire Business Advisory Board, Net Zero North West, Progressive Energy, Richborough, Chester Race Company, and the Bruntwood SciTech to host an informal devolution-focused drinks reception, sponsored by The North West Evergreen Fund for businesses and interested parties at Stand H20 from 4pm-5pm on Wednesday 21 May.
It will allow one-to-one discussions about their devolution ambitions for an area blessed with over 418,000 employees, more than 41,000 businesses, productivity 18% higher than the North West average, and a visitor economy valued at £3.9 billion with over 56 million recorded visits a year.
The event is open to anyone at UKREiiF, and businesses spanning sectors including housing, property, skills training, hospitality, and law have already signed up to attend.
Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council and Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Joint Committee, Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Hans Mundry, Deputy Leader of Warrington Borough Council, Cllr Jean Flaherty, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Nick Mannion, Deputy Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cllr Michael Gorman, and Enterprise Cheshire and Warrington CEO, Philip Cox will be among those leading the informal discussions.
Anyone attending UKREiiF who would like to register to attend the In conversation: Cheshire and Warrington Devolution, Leaders Reception can do so here.
For more information about the Cheshire and Warrington devolution programme, visit: cheshireandwarringtondevolution.com