WITH more than 160 companies and 6,000 staff on site, it is no surprise that Birchwood Park is revolutionising what companies can offer their employees.

From fun runs around the park's lake to film clubs in a 150-seat auditorium, the Risley-based site encourages people to see it as a home away from home, rather than just a place of work.

Matin O'Rourke, commercial director, explained: "Birchwood Park is part of Warrington now so we have got to make sure we integrate with the community.

"Members of the public even use it as a park space so we maintain the grounds as best we can – it definitely makes a difference.

"We want to be noticed for being different and setting this standard.

"It's all about being there to help the companies. Not all companies are large enough to offer these facilities but we are here to give them that little bit extra."

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As well as sporting opportunities such as yoga classes and a gym, the park offers safe bicycle facilities, quiet rooms for those who need some time alone, and a shuttle bus service.

Martin added: "In terms of what we do, it makes it a community rather than a collection of buildings – it's a campus feel.

"We try our best to attract everyone on site- as long as we have the facilities, then it is up to the individuals to use them."

One of the newest additions to the site is the £850,000 refurbishment to the park's central meeting place, the EngineRooms, to make it easier for employees to enjoy a break from office life.

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It offers meeting spaces to hire out as well as a modern food hall, market-style dining, and space for people to sit and chat.

Martin said: "It gives us the flexibility to change and meet customer's needs – it's been very well received.

"What we were finding is that people are now going for more informal meetings.

"It's a different set up from somewhere where you pay for your desk – we're saying you get a free desk and you just pay for a coffee."

The park's efforts to further retain staff and provide the best possible experience for companies is paying off.

It currently stands at 95 per cent capacity with a 90 per cent retention rate.

One of the factors Martin is hoping will increase this figure even further is the recent £5 million investment into road networks surrounding the park which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Martin recalled: "After the roadworks in 2016, that made a 20 per cent improvement in traffic flow – it was transformational.

"The traffic problem has a historical reputation – there are now four ways into Birchwood to cut out delays.

"It should make a difference – it can't get any worse!"

The future looks bright for Birchwood Park and with recent deals with global companies such as Hoover, Martin is confident that the park will continue to thrive in the UK's current political economy.

It is undergoing a £12 million investment, seeing new warehouses introduced to support jobs and attract companies.

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The development, set to complete in spring 2020, will feature five units, totalling 170,000 square feet of warehouse space.