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World Cup bid needs the help of Businesses

Businesses across Newcastle and Gateshead are being urged to get behind the World Cup bid as the competition heats up.

The economic benefits of the twin cites hosting the events in 2018 are said to be ‘substantial’ and the NewcastleGateshead Initiative needs the support of local business to make the bid work.

Andrew Dixon, chief executive of the NewcastleGateahead Initiative and Chair of the World Cup Bid Team, said: “The people of Newcastle and Gateshead are passionate about the region, passionate about football and passionate about the World Cup, but we need to demonstrate this.

“As a region we have a lot to gain by hosting games in the cities, but we need local businesses to show their support.”

Businesses in the cities have already starting backing the bid by branding their premises and encouraging employees to get involved.

Andrew Marwick, managing director at marketing company RobsonBrown, said: “Football has played a major part in shaping the heritage and culture of this region so it would be fantastic to see the World Cup come to St James’ Park.

“The area has a fantastic track record in hosting major events so we are very excited at the prospect of once again being the centre of the world’s attention.”

Dave Collins, owner of The Telegraph in Newcastle, said: “We wholeheartedly support the bid. Bringing the World Cup to the cities would be a huge benefit to trade in the city.”

Local businesses can get involved by going to www.newcastlegateshead.com/2018 and can download images to use in their building. They can also raise their own profile by telling the World Cup Bid Team what they are doing to support.

Meanwhile, Sunderland footballers Danny Collins and Lorik Cana have launched a new text messaging service which allows fans to promote Sunderland’s efforts to host the World Cup. Supporters must text “Sunderland2018” followed by their name, house number and postcode to 62299.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .