In March, two events were held for representatives of business interests in Newcastle to tell them about the challenges ahead for the City. The purpose of the meetings was to involve them in the planning of our City for the next few years. The ‘State of the City’ presentation by the Leader of the Council and the Chief Executive gave a general review of what’s been achieved in the past year, our current position and what we can look forward to in the future. After this, a panel of senior managers from the council entered into discussion with our visitors and answered questions.