Bristol 2018 Business Leaders offers companies a chance to get closer to England’s 2018 World Cup bid, highlighting the potentials gains for businesses and providing a platform for discussion as well as networking opportunities.

Hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup in England will provide an estimated £3.2bn worth of investment to the national economy. It is also widely believed that due to many factors such as mature commercial and media markets already established in England, hosting a World Cup in 2018 would make it the most commercially successful World Cup to date with an estimated £150m worth of investment going directly into the Bristol economy.

James Durie, Director of the Initiative, GWE Business West, said: “Bringing the World Cup to Bristol is a prize worth fighting for. The business community in the city has a great appetite to sell Bristol and its region as one of the very best places to work, live and visit. The Bristol 2018 Business Leaders Club will be a good forum to make the most of this once-in-a-generation opportunity to appear on a global stage.”

Bristol 2018 Business Leaders will be free for the remainder of 2010 and offers members access to exclusive events as well as an annual publication and regular news updates. Businesses from across the South and West of England are being encouraged to sign up now, before the exclusive launch event takes place in early July, and organisers are hopeful of a strong response from the business community.

Stephen Wray, Bristol 2018 World Cup Bid Director, said: “Business has a vital role to play in the England 2018 World Cup bid and the commercial benefits of England hosting the tournament are a key part of our bid. When Bristol applied to be part of the England bid last year local businesses backed us in every way possible and we’re hopeful that they’ll continue to do so by signing up for the Bristol 2018 Business Leaders” said Stephen Wray from the Bristol 2018 bid team.

Colin Sexstone, Bristol City FC Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to help the England bid and local companies by supporting the Bristol 2018 Business Leaders club. We’re keen that our commitment to this project goes beyond providing the stadium for the tournament and we want to make sure that business continues to engage with the England bid. We’ve ensured the club will be free to all members for the remainder of this year and we hope that every company in the area will sign up to avoid missing out.”

Events already planned for this year include a free launch event, business breakfast and end of year dinner which will be by invitation only and subject to availability. To register for the Bristol 2018 Business Leaders please visit www.bristol2018.net/business, email Bristol2018Business@bcfc.co.uk or post the attached form to Bristol 2018 Business Leaders, c/o Bristol City Football Club, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, BS3 2AB