Speaking at the final event of the M4 Business Network’s 2014 calendar, Simon Gibson, director of the Celtic Manor Resort, explained how NATO came to Newport.

Addressing an audience of around 170 guests and members of the M4 Business Network, Mr Gibson revealed how Sir Terry Matthews’ - a man who only has big ideas - vision of hosting the 2014 NATO Summit brought the leaders of the world to Wales.

Mr Gibson opened his address with the story of how the Celtic Manor Resort we know today was first conceived following a chance meeting in an airport, when Sir Terry met world renowned golf course designer Robert Trent Jones.

More than 30 years and £150m of investment later, and Newport has played host to one of the world largest sporting events, the 2010 Ryder Cup and welcomed the most powerful man in the world, President Barack Obama.

Simon proceeded to entertain his audience with his personal accounts of passing the President of the United States in hotel corridors and the unique experience of trying to attract the attention of the Prime Minster of Canada, when calling out ‘Mr Prime minister’ resulted in 55 people turning to face him.

Mr Gibson outlined the resort’s multimillion pound investment plans to create the new Wales International Convention Centre. His told about the economic benefits the centre would provide Gwent and Newport, pointing out that the development could create up to an additional 100,000 room nights in the region; with the Celtic Manor only able to accommodate around 20,000 of those, in Mr Gibson’s words, “now is the time to think about buying a hotel”.

Paul Byett, chair of the M4 Business Network and managing partner of its main sponsor UHY Hacker Young, said: “We were delighted to have Simon speak at our last event of the season. As business leaders and residents of Wales, I’m sure our audience is grateful to the Celtic Manor Resort for ensuring that Wales remains recognised around the globe. The work of Simon, Sir Terry Matthews and their team continues to bring the most influential people in the world to Wales and it was fascinating to learn of the level of vision, work and dedication which made it happen."

Sponsors of the M4 Network include the South Wales Argus.

For further information on becoming a member of the M4 Business Network visit www.m4businessnetwork.org or contact Paul Byett on 01633 213318.