The local NewcastleGateshead economy is set to receive a significant boost thanks to the BCSC’s Conference & Showcase at The Sage Gateshead this week.

With around 3,000 delegates expected at the event, it is estimated that an extra £4 million will be injected into the local economy in the short term, but officials believe there is also potential for long-term benefits as the annual conference attracts major players in the retail property industry, including retailers, shopping centre owners and developers.

“It’s often the case that the area hosting the BCSC Conference & Showcase receives much more than a short-term financial benefit through visiting the host city, staying, travelling around and dining there,” said BCSC chief executive Michael Green. “However, it is also worth noting that a healthy proportion of our delegates are key decision-makers in retail-led investment and regeneration, and past experience has shown that the venue location stands to attract significant infrastructure investment in the longer term.”

Delegates and visitors to the event can opt to take part in a range of social events and dinners as well as tours of NewcastleGateshead and Sunderland, an industry golf tournament, and a variety of activities in and around the venue.