Promising business trends emerge from Birchwood Park research

Research conducted by Birchwood Park reveals both business confidence and growth has sky rocketed amongst North West businesses

According to a new survey created as part of its Business Support Series, survey data from Warrington-based Birchwood Park has revealed that the future is bright for the region with almost 50% of its occupiers experiencing growth in the past quarter (Q1 Jan to March 2021), and 60% stating they are optimistic about growth for the rest of the year.

The research, conducted with more than 100 local Warrington-based businesses at the North’s largest out of town business park – from SMEs to large global organisations spanning a range of industries from accounting and recruitment to engineering and energy – reveals an encouraging trend, with more than a quarter (28%) of local businesses sustaining output, despite experiencing a significant impact on their business due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The news comes as 84% of businesses are predicting a return to some form of ‘normality’ within the next 12 months, with the vast majority expected to return to the workplace in a flexible capacity within six months.

The research has also revealed other positive workplace trends, including an increase in employee-focused wellbeing initiatives, with 60% of employees taking learnings from the past 18 months and now taking advantage of popular incentives such as flexible working, access to healthy refreshments, weekly team meets and access to complementary exercise and treatments.

Martin O’Rourke, commercial director at Birchwood Park, said: “There’s no denying that the pandemic has impacted businesses – over the past 18 months being flexible and adaptable has been vital. However, what some may find surprising is that as we acclimatise and move forward through the recovery period, the business outlook is very positive, especially here in Warrington and, indeed, at Birchwood Park.”

He added: “A greater focus on the environment and wellbeing seems to be having a positive impact on businesses, this combined with the benefits of flexible working and, of course, access to business support, incentives and initiatives such as those provided at Birchwood Park, our occupiers seem to be offering a robust blueprint for future business success across Warrington.”

Twinfix is a family run business that has been designing and manufacturing Roof Glazing and Canopies from its premises on Birchwood Park for the past 30 years.

Vicky Evans, director at Twinfix, said: “Despite the many challenges this pandemic has brought for our business, it has definitely helped us move forward as a business, allowing us to automate and digitalise, getting rid of manual processes where possible.

“It’s also helped with time efficiency, utilising Teams keep connected, supporting homeworking while also highlighting the benefits of actually being in the offices – so we will utilise all of this knowledge going forward as we work to reach ambitious growth targets for the year ahead.”