The job losses and relocation of operations at large firms with
regional sites, such as at AstraZeneca and Shell Thornton can be devastating to
local supply chains and their communities. However it is not always the case,
as it was for much of the coal industry, that these losses are terminal. It may
simply be that re-creation is awaiting. Large specialist operations require a
highly skilled workforce and have facilities that may often lend themselves to
other productive activities.
The historic demise of British Nuclear Fuels Limited and
break-up and sales of the groups resulting signaled the disbandment of an
industry, with mainly legacy activities remaining. However wind the clock
forward from 2006 to now and it is the case that this region has a world-class
Nuclear industry cluster resurgent. As for operational sites Daresbury has
moved on to become a great science park and (Shell) Thornton Heath most
recently a University faculty development. To make this re-creation happen then
the provision of a skilled workforce, suitable facilities and good
communications is critical to attract investment and the Warrington area has
this advantage over many other regions: for the moment anyway. The question is
how to stay ahead of the pack?
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