THE imminent arrival in the city of Newport of the heads of government of all the N A T O countries has prompted one Newport firm to issue a challenge to the business community in the city.

The Kymin Group, which has its headquarters in Bridge Street, has thrown down a challenge to other firms in the city to look their best for the visit by the world’s most powerful leaders

Kymin chairman Gerald Davies said: “We take the arrival of the NATO conference as a hugely important occasion for Newport. To put it into perspective, the last one, in 2012, was in Chicago.

“To celebrate Kymin has had a complete makeover of our premises in Bridge Street. Now wouldn’t it be great if every business premises received some attention? Anything from complete redecoration to new signage, or maybe a couple of window boxes of flowers. How about cleaning the windows of upper stories?”

Gerald said it is not just businesses which should enter into the spirit of a welcome rejuvenation for the city.

Gerald said: “What about staging a best garden competition all around the city? I am sure the council will be planning a special effort in the parks and throughout Newport.

“It may be said that that the government leaders will not be seeing much of Newport, cocooned as they most probably will be, in the Celtic Manor Resort within a ring of steel security, and maybe that’s right. But, nevertheless, there will be 7,000 journalists, photographers and media types from around the world visiting Newport to cover the meeting.

“The eyes of the world really will be upon us in Newport. We should all do something to help give a good impression of our city."