Steven Broomhead is chief executive of Warrington Borough Council and writes a regular column for the Warrington Guardian

The return of Neighbourhood Weekender next May is a timely boost to our local economy, great for the profile of the Town and continues our local cultural revival. 

Previous “Weekenders” with crowds of over 20,000 have produced a local economic impact of an additional £2million each year as well as producing a great community experience. 

Our local economy continues to perform well and our local growth and productivity rates are above the national averages. 

The structure of our local economy which has so many and diverse industrial sectors is one of the reasons for our good position.  We have established sectors of the economy such as the environment and technology and the nuclear sectors at Birchwood Park which are ready to capitalise in expected new private and public investment. 

The recent Chancellor's Budget didn’t suit everyone with some rises in taxes and wasn’t judged by a number of economists as pro-growth. 

However, it did lay foundations for better future for public finances and the business growth which is likely to drive high living standards which is the mission of the new government.  Time will tell if these policies actually work as we all know actions speak and deliver more than words, but the direction of travel seems good nationally and locally. 

Will additional public investment result in more private investment?   Our experience is that it does given the growth and success of Omega and Birchwood Park.   

Of course, there are uncertainties and risks.   As GB Shaw said, “if all the economists were laid end to end, they’d still wouldn’t reach a conclusion”.  The election of Donald Trump may have intended and unintended consequences for global business trade. 

The situation in Ukraine is a big worry for security and global economic growth.

Warrington is not an economic island but on our island we are continuing to experience continued economic success from which we need to ensure everybody derives benefits and we all continue to maintain.