NEWPORT will have two people working to "sell" the city next year, in a bid to attract new businesses and investment.

Newport council is set to take on a manager who is to market the city to a wider audience, as part of a drive to build on its new status.

But the proposed new appointment would be unlikely to affect the position of Malcolm Hall, (pictured) director of the Newport City Centre Partnership.

And Mr Hall - whose role is to boost the city centre - says the two would work together for the benefit of Newport.

He said: "I think the appointment of a manager for the city is something of a benefit for raising the profile of the council. I would imagine that he or she would be working together with me in marketing Newport.

"If we can work together we can make the impact that much more. We are concerned with the city centre but a marketing manager would market the whole of Newport."

The manager, who will be given a salary between £31,000 and £34,000, will be expected to increase investment by bringing together the various current marketing strategies.

He or she will also be expected to develop a fully costed marketing plan to be implemented next April.

Although the full council has yet to agree to the appointment of an experienced marketing manager, the cabinet has given its endorsement for the proposal. It is expected the manager will be appointed in December.

Carol Leslie, director of environment and economy in the city, said: "We want to improve the confidence of the people who work and live here, and we have to face the fact we are a city and promote our image.

"Because of the importance of Newport being the regeneration centre for South-East Wales and the Valleys we have to make sure we are marketed appropriately. Marketing means we can attract a variety of businesses."

The person the council may appoint is likely to have a marketing degree, with at least five years' experience of working at senior-level marketing for large corporations.