This time last year we held an event for businesses in Newport to bring them up-to-date with developments across the city, and the response we had was fantastic.

There is a real appetite out there for information and we have done our best to increase our engagement with businesses throughout the year.

Last week we hosted an open session at the Riverfront on the subject of sustainable transport in Newport.

The idea of a ‘sustainable suburb’ was first mentioned as part of the proposals for the Old Town Dock development, and generated quite a lot of interest from businesses.

The session explored the idea of a city-wide ‘car club’, a transport network using electric cars, vans and other low-emission vehicles. This would help businesses reduce transport their costs while reducing emissions at the same time.

It will be the subject of further debate at Newport: The Big Picture, a breakfast event we are co-hosting with the South Wales Chamber of Commerce tomorrow at the Celtic Manor.

This event will bring businesses up-to-speed with developments in Newport and advise how they can benefit in the long term.

There will be an overview of Newport’s ongoing regeneration programme, and Queensberry will provide the latest information on Friars Walk.

We will also be discussing the voucher scheme that will allow businesses to claim up to £3,000 to access Superfast networks. I discussed the importance of Superfast Broadband in my last column, and really cannot emphasise how important it is that businesses make the most of this opportunity.

Superfast Broadband will change the way many businesses work, allowing them to be more productive, cost-effective, and open up opportunities to reach new customers across the world.

I would encourage any businesses who are yet to do so to email marketing@southwaleschamber.co.uk and book their place.