Halton Chamber of Commerce is launching a new network aimed at businesses in the science and manufacturing sector.

It aims to provide bespoke support to new and emerging companies as well as existing businesses.

Chief executive Paula Cain said: “This network has been set up as a direct result of discussions we’ve had with businesses over recent months.

“Halton has some of the brightest and best science and manufacturing companies in the country and this is a sector which will be instrumental in Britain’s recovery.

“As a chamber, we want to ensure that we’re providing them with the right kinds of support.

“One of the things they’ve told us they want is a support mechanism specifically for them to enable them to network with other, similar businesses, share knowledge and best practice as well as develop business opportunities”.

The network will encourage people to share knowledge, identify and address barriers to growth and provide practical support to help them develop and grow.

Chamber chairman, Dr. Peter Cook, a former ICI scientist with ICI and founder of the Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn said: “This network will complement what already exists in the borough and the region, and will add value rather than duplicate effort.

“That is a key aim, as is working in partnership with others to provide a comprehensive array of services and activities.

“The businesses themselves will drive it and we have some fantastic businesses and individuals involved so far as founding members of the steering group”.

The launch event will be hosted by Liverpool John Lennon Airport on March, 18.

Speakers will include Robin Tudor, from LJLA, Samantha Westgate, from Perfectus Biomed and Malcolm Evans of UK Manufacturing Accelerator.

There will a panel of experts drawn from the Network steering group and in addition to Samantha, these will include Don Wellings of Spheritech, Mikael Khan of Arvia Technology, and Andrew Creeth of ACAL Energy.