NEWPORT is “perfectly placed for businesses to start, grow and flourish”, said a city AM after a business summit.

Jayne Bryant hosted a Newport Business Summit at the Celtic Manor Resort, celebrating local companies’ successes and promoting the city as a place to do business.

“There are undoubtedly challenges ahead, but with business clusters and transport links, I am confident there are exciting opportunities to promote and develop the city,” said the Newport West AM.

The summit was co-sponsored by Rutherford Cancer Centres and the International Convention Centre (ICC), multi-million pound, Newport projects.

Business leaders discussed the future of city businesses and explored the scope for collaboration. Ken Skates AM, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for economy and transport, also attended.

Mike Moran, chief executive of Proton Partners International and Rutherford Cancer Centres - the Newport centre is at Celtic Springs Business Park - and ICC chief executive Ian Edwards spoke of their projects and why they chose Newport as a base.

“Wales has shown outstanding vision in helping deliver the first high energy proton beam therapy in the UK,” said Mr Moran.

“Having the opportunity to work alongside the Welsh Government and NHS has been significant to us.”

Mr Edwards spoke of progress on the ICC, and added: “We always welcome the chance to tell the local business community about the enormous opportunities presented by this game-changing new venue, and how they can be part of the huge benefits it will bring to the economy of South Wales.”