The chief executive and co-founder of Queensbury Real Estate, the company behind Newport’s city centre regeneration, will speak at the M4 Business Network’s second event of the year on Wednesday May 6.

Paul Sargent heads-up the company selected by Newport City Council to deliver the Friar’s Walk shopping centre.

The development, covering more than 390,000 sq ft, will house a new 350-space car park and bus station to support the Cineworld complex and the wide range of restaurants and shops which will a Debenhams department store as the anchor store of the scheme.

Paul will provide an insight into the current stage of the development and also explain how local businesses will benefit from this ambitious project upon its completion. With his career spanning 25 years in both the retail sector and residential markets, Paul will be providing expert advice and information.

Paul Byett, chairman of the M4 Business Network and managing partner of UHY Hacker Young, its main sponsor, said: “Over the past few years Newport has experienced a rejuvenation that has been invaluable to local businesses. The Ryder Cup in 2010 and the NATO Summit in September 2014 with an attendance of over 60 world leaders put the city back on the map. With the development of Friar’s Walk, Newport’s regeneration is now going from strength to strength and will support local businesses in the process.

“We are keen to hear how businesses will be able to capitalise on the development, and how Newport will experience increased economic prosperity as a result of the scheme.”

The M4 Business Network has become one of the most reputable events on the business networking calendar and hosts four breakfast events every year at the Celtic Manor Resort.

Current sponsors include the South Wales Argus.