VIDEO: THE cities of Manchester and Liverpool were united for peace at a special event in Warrington to launch the town’s Business Awards 2018.
Special guests at the event taking place at Warrington’s Peace Centre, home of the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace, were the the Mayors’ of Manchester and Liverpool, Andy Burnham and Steve Rotheram.
warrington-worldwide, who are sponsoring the community award at this year’s event which will take place in a giant marquee at Lymm Rugby Club on June 8, were on hand to grab an exclusive live interview with the two Mayors, who both praised the work of the Peace Foundation and recalled their memories of the Warrington bombing, 25 years ago this March.
They also talked about devolution and gave their opinions on the possibility of an elected Mayor for Warrington.
Both agreed that taking control away from Whitehall and “being in charge of your own finances” was a positive step.
During a Q&A with the audience they urged Warrington to join forces with Manchester and Liverpool to give the North a “stronger voice” and help create a Northern Powerhouse.
Their main concern for the region was the transport infrastructure.
Liverpool’s Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham said: “With Liverpool, Manchester and Warrington pulling together we can create our own Northern Powerhouse and compete with anyone in the world.”
Meanwhile Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who grew up in Culcheth, added: “Whatever devolution deal is offered for Warrington and Cheshire, get one and then together we can do things.”
Money raised from the Business Awards this year will be donated to the Peace Foundation to mark the 25th anniversary of the Warrington bombing.
Peace Campaigner Colin Parry told the audience how the Foundation had played an important role following on from the three most recent terrorist atrocities in London and Manchester by supporting more than 750 victims. It was becoming more and more difficult to secure funding for such initiatives.
He added: “In this 25th anniversary year this is our unique opportunity to reach out to businesses and the corporate world in way we have never had before.”
He urged business leaders in the room to look at ways of supporting the charity.
The sell out audience at the launch of the Warrington Business awards 2018
