More likely to be patent-holders, exporters, and recruiters than national average

Companies at one of Warrington’s premier SME hubs export more, hold more patents and recruit more trainees and apprentices than the national average. 

And 94% of the businesses at The Base on Dallam Lane say they intend to recruit more staff this coming year, despite the economic headwinds.

These are just some of the findings of a survey undertaken by property company Langtree, which manages the building on behalf of owners Warrington & Co.

The annual tenant survey, suspended for two years due to the pandemic, has lifted the lid on the building’s ambitious occupiers and shown them to outstrip regional averages on a number of key indicators.

Moreover, says Jayne Furnival, group property director at Langtree, they co-operate and collaborate with each other ‘to a high degree.’

“We’ve put a huge amount of effort into business support for occupiers, and into curating a culture of collaboration and our findings bear out its impact,” she said.

The study showed that 44% of occupiers have other tenants as customers, whilst 11% utilise neighbours as suppliers.  A further 22% collaborate on projects together.

“This level of collaboration holds the key to how Warrington can cement long-term growth,” says Eleanor Blackburn, head of inclusive growth and partnerships at Warrington Council.

“What’s particularly encouraging is the extent of the innovation amongst our clients, whether singularly or via collaboration. 11% have registered patents or some other form of proprietary intellectual property,” Eleanor added.

According to latest data from the CBI, this shows firms at Warrington Enterprise Hub, The Base to be 10% more likely to have registered IP than the UK SME average.  Similarly, the survey found that Base tenants are also 10% more likely to be exporters than average, with 11% exporting their technology and services overseas*.

Other data uncovered by the survey found:

• 44% of companies have increased their number of employees in the past 12 months
• 94% say they are looking to recruit in the next 12 months
• 100% of businesses have employees that live in Warrington
• 22% of businesses employ apprentices or trainees

“The purpose of Warrington Enterprise Hub, The Base and the various aspects of support we provide is to provide an environment where SMEs can thrive.  These growth figures – and in particular, the emphasis on recruiting and developing our young people – says that Warrington is in good hands,” said Eleanor Blackburn.

“We are not complacent, however, as the survey found that our clients still have challenges and it’s reasonable to assume that these are commonplace across the town.  We continue to evolve the service offer at The Base and more widely to help support our private sector.”

Key issues constraining businesses were identified as recruitment (highlighted by 38% of occupiers) and cashflow (22%.

On a positive note, 50% of tenants had reported growth in sales over the twelve months to October 2022 and none reported a decline in sales.

There are 28 companies registered at The Base, employing more than 250 staff.

*Source: CBI  

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The Base is a Grade-A office and co-working space in the centre of Warrington that’s home to many market leading digital technology and advanced engineering companies. Whilst calling The Base your home, you will have access to free business support, including marketing, tax, legal advice, as well as help with innovation, research and development.

Contact us for more information.