There are likely to be a great deal of fresh new faces in Newport from this week as a result of what is largely believed to be one of the biggest votes of confidence in many a long year in the city.

The new Admiral building opened for business on Monday. The shining new ultra modern office block opposite the city’s railway station is now abuzz with some 450 workers.

The staff who have shifted into the place may be rattling around for a while as the office block is designed to cater for double their number.

Nevertheless 450 new bodies in the city centre are very much to be welcomed. The staff have until now been based at Langstone Business Park on the edge of town and few, if any, ventured regularly into Newport. Now the city is their oyster
With their new workplace right in the heart of the city, at Queensway, they will naturally be venturing into Newport adding a fresh vibe and vitality to the place. How can we ensure that we benefit from this, dare I say, once in a lifetime golden opportunity?
Already Acorn is said to have been approached by scores of entrepreneurial local businesses offering discounts and deals to Acorn and its employees in the city. All good news.

As if to underline the confidence business feel about the opening of the new offices Admiral Group CEO Henry Engelhard, who came to Newport to open the office yesterday, said: “I’m sure our staff will be taking advantage of the local amenities and will be very happy working here.”

And with the completion of the first phase comes the second part of the redevelopment of the Cambrian Centre which will offer a range of retail opportunities which in itself will add further to the vibrancy of the centre.

Another event which is fast approaching ‘completion’ is the Nato Summit to be held at Celtic Manor Resort. Although not in the centre of the city there is no doubt that there will be knock on effects from the gathering which is attracting the world’s leaders to Newport.

Although, it would seem,  there is little chance of us seeing the likes of Barack Obama strolling down High Street their entourage and that of the other leaders, together with hoards of media and others, will no doubt have a very positive effect on the prosperity of the city if only for a few weeks.

However, if we play our cards right a lasting impression could mean that Newport is well remembered and that future visits are planned to see the sights in a less fevered atmosphere and perhaps make an investment or two.

To that end it must be noted that Newport’s ‘bargain basement’ freehold commercial property appears to be on the radar of investors. It may be because of events such as the Nato Summit and Admiral’s huge pat on the back, putting the city ion the spotlight, but it’s worth noting that there are some very impressive chunks of property currently on sale in the city for what appears to be very little money and you know what, they are selling.

It may seem odd to us but there are many people who don’t know an awful lot about Newport and I’m not talking about people from the other side of the world but much closer to home. It’s fair to say that investors not so far away are calling us to learn more about our city and what iot offers in the short to medium term. And they are very pleased  to hear what is going on and also what they can achieve for a very affordable investment.

The general property picture is improving and we have solid evidence of an increase in enquiries which are translating into deals.

However with this confidence there is a downside as soon there will be an issue with a lack of quality stock being available.
With all the above in mind are we ready for all this interest offers and able to capitalise fully on the benefits that will follow?

Up the ‘Port