Attended by more than 7,000 people, and attracting over £140k of private sector support, the recent two day event at Chester Racecourse provided a major platform to tell the world about Cheshire and Warrington’s world-class business credentials and employment and learning opportunities.

The results from a comprehensive evaluation commissioned by Marketing Cheshire confirmed ‘Business Friday’ attracted over 3000 business delegates with 65% CEO or Senior Management level, 25% with employees over 250 and 25% from outside the sub-region. Clearly demonstrating the event not only galvanized business leaders in Cheshire and Warrington but also across the Northwest and beyond.

‘Opportunities Saturday’ attracted 4500 attendees, with over 60% falling into the working age population 16 - 44 years, who’s primary motivation for attending was not only a fun day out but to find out about career opportunities and what Cheshire has to offer.

Marketing Cheshire Chief Executive Chris Brown commented,

“Celebrate Cheshire has clearly helped us showcase Cheshire and Warrington as a quality business destination, when asked 82% of respondents agreed that Cheshire has all the necessary ingredients for further economic growth.

With a £22billion economy and the potential to out-perform the rest of the North West and other regions of the UK, our work now is to ensure that this successful and high-profile event acts as a real catalyst for investment and growth, regeneration, enterprise and development.  Moving forward we have a whole programme of activity to support this.”

Neville Chamberlain, Chair of the Cheshire Business Leaders confirms:

“We have been delighted by the response following the success of Celebrate Cheshire. We want more investors and businesses to take a completely fresh look at the unique proposition Cheshire offers and this event has provided the ideal platform to do that – spreading our message far and wide.”

Exhibitor, Lara Da Rocha-Faria at Pochin’s PLC explains,

“The event has been great for promoting our company within the business community and to the general public.  We cultivated some good relationships with partners and other key organisations over the two days and are now looking at ways in which we can work together to encourage further investment in Cheshire.”

The private sector-led event was backed by more than 60 of Cheshire and Warrington-based blue chip companies and organisations, including M&S Money; Birchwood Park, Warrington; Bentley Motors; Grosvenor Estates; Abode Hotels; Barclays; the Manufacturing Institute; Manchester Airport; Mornflake, RBS and Pochins.

Following Celebrate Cheshire a new investment website has been launched investincheshire.com to act as a ‘shop window’ for potential investors. A national marketing campaign will drive investors to the site.

For further information go to www.investincheshire.com