Dame Tessa Jowell, former Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, called on Gwent businesses to demonstrate to Scottish counterparts that they want the UK to stay together.

With only days to go before the crucial Scottish referendum Dame Tessa told members of the M4 Business Network at the Celtic Manor Resort that the country was facing a ‘very dangerous moment’ as the ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ campaigns appeared to be neck and neck.

She said: "The economic consequences in the long run would be devastating so we need to raise a chorus of voices in favour of the union. Businesses can contribute by reflecting on the benefits of interdependence."

The former Labour minister, who grew up in Scotland, was speaking at the September meeting of the M4 Business Network attended by more than 170 senior business people from Gwent and surrounding areas.

Dame Tessa, who was responsible for London’s Olympic bid, praised Newport on the successful hosting of the NATO Summit.

She said: “Congratulations in particular to the Celtic Manor for the incredible job they have done. I know what it is like to be involved in something like that and the attention to detail that is required.”

She said London 2012 demonstrated the willingness of individuals to contribute voluntarily to society if they did not feel Government was instructing them to do so. She recalled the work of the 70,000 volunteer ‘Gamesmakers’ who came from all over the UK, including Wales and Scotland.

Business too were becoming increasingly focused on what they could do for their communities. “Businesses realise that social purpose drives commercial success and commercial success supports social purpose. Workers want to be proud of the companies they work for and the best firms reach out to their communities and their customers and that builds an inalienable sense of loyalty that sees them through the hard times.”

She added: “Businesses should always under-promise and over- deliver. They should promise just a bit less that they are absolutely confident they can deliver. In addition they should always hire the very best people and then let them to get on and do their job.”

Chairman of the M4 Business Network and managing partner of its main sponsor UHY Hacker Young, Paul Byett, said: “We are delighted to have had Dame Tessa address our Network. Her speech was an excellent combination of honest political and commercial insights, delivered in a package that was perfectly tailored for our business audience.”

The next M4 Business Network event will be held at the Celtic Manor Resort on the November 11.

Sponsors of the club include UHY Hacker Young Chartered Accountants, the South Wales Argus, University of South Wales, Working Word, Barclays Business, Thomas Carroll, The Celtic Manor, Carbon Financial Planning, Newport City Council, McAlister & Co Insolvency Practitioners, South Wales Chamber of Commerce and Harding Evans Solicitors.

For further information on becoming a member of the M4 Business Network please visit www.m4businessnetwork.org.