Addressing Welsh business leaders, Simon Calder, senior travel editor for The Independent, has acknowledged the expanding services of Cardiff International Airport while sharing his insider travel tips for Welsh businesses and consumers.

In a witty and insightful presentation, Mr Calder described his career as 'spending most of my time on holiday pretending to work' adding that this was 'a very fortunate way to live'.

He then explained how a reputation for declining free travel and accommodation in order to protect his journalistic integrity has resulted in a professional nickname of 'the man who pays his way'.

The attentive audience of almost 200 business leaders at the Celtic Manor Resort, then received a tailored presentation were Mr Calder divulged his top money saving tips for business travel and holidays.

Mr Calder also discussed the upcoming NATO summit which will be hosted by M4 Sponsor, the Celtic Manor Resort, in early September. The UK’s first NATO summit since 1990 is likely to result in the first official visit to Wales by a sitting American President.

Mr Calder highlighted the potential opportunities the summit represents for Wales’ tourism industry.

Paul Byett, managing partner of UHY Hacker Young and new chairman of the M4 Business Network, said: “Simon’s insights into Wales’ own tourism industry have underlined its significance to our local economy and emphasised the untapped commercial potential that exists the region.

“The aim of the M4 Business Network is to bring south Wales’ business community together to facilitate new working relationships while raising the profile of its sponsors and members.”

The next event takes place on May 13 with chief executive of Cardiff Airport, Jon Horne.

For more information www.m4businessnetwork.org or contact Simon Watkins on 01633 245676.