The chief of an organisation that markets the UK abroad has agreed to help promote inward investment and trade opportunities in Swansea after a meeting with Geraint.

 “UK Trade and Industry has already helped city marketing for Manchester and elsewhere," said Geraint. "I have spoken to their chief executive Nick Baird about developing a compelling narrative for the Swansea brand and presenting it to prospective investors in the UK and abroad.

“Swansea University is keen to participate as it represents a huge research and development asset for high tech and modern manufacturing investment.

"The Swansea brand name is being established globally by our football success and we can now attach values including Dylan Thomas using the 2014 centenary as a marketing hook to attract tourism and support investment.

"At at a time that we face economic challenges we need to promote the fact that Swansea is a beautiful location both  to visit and live but also to learn, work and invest.

"UKTI also has global resources through the Foreign Office to help Swansea. For instance, the British Embassy in Belgium has already agreed to host a presentation from Swansea in Brussels to prospective investors with HQs there.

"I'm keen that this should be part of an ongoing relationship to boost local jobs and prosperity and puts Swansea on the map internationally."