The West Wales branch of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) recently hosted a presentation by one of Pembrokeshire's leading entrepreneurs. William McNamara gave a detailed insight into the ethos and progress of Bluestone - a development that arguably will define the future of tourism in west Wales - to an audience of managers and business leaders from across the county. Chairman of the CMI's west Wales branch, Ted Sangster, commented: "Having presented his vision to the local branch of the CMI three years ago, it was of huge interest to our members and other local professionals to see the continued progress being made by William and his team. "The presentation served to dispel the myths that surround Bluestone, and give assurance as to the many opportunities and benefits that the project will bring to the local economy." From the key philosophies that underpin the venture, to the logistics of creating the vision, over 80 local professionals heard how Bluestone has progressed since overcoming a series of legal delays. With the first phases due for completion next summer, the concept of Bluestone is far greater than just the provision of a first class, short-break tourism destination. High on the agenda is the development of employees, the integration of environmental sustainability and the ongoing valuable contribution to the Pembrokeshire economy. Said William: "When Bluestone is fully operational, it will employ 700 people in year-round jobs and inject an estimated £35 million into the Pembrokeshire economy every year. I think our commitment to environmental responsibility is clear from, among other things, our use of renewable energy and our adoption of the stringent Green Dragon environmental management system. "But to me, one of the best things about Bluestone is that we will provide people with the kind of career opportunities that they would previously have had to leave Pembrokeshire to pursue. "Of course, a proportion of our young people will always want to move away, but it should be a matter of choice not necessity. Bluestone will give a lot of people that choice. That's good for Pembrokeshire, good for Pembrokeshire people - and to me, it's sustainability in action." In what several people described as an inspiring presentation, the scale of the project became evident. All 186 timber lodges of the first phase will be complete before Christmas, with the construction of the waterpark, sports centre and main village area all on schedule for next year's opening. Bluestone's marketing and sales initiative will be launched early in the New Year, with a targeted campaign aimed at domestic tourist and overseas visitors from Ireland. Bespoke packages will offer guests a varied and uniquely Pembrokeshire experience, with partnerships already being formed with other local tourism operators and service providers. With a clear focus on the delivery of an unparalleled visitor experience, William is determined that the Bluestone ethos is shared by staff, stakeholders and service providers alike; an approach that perfectly echoes the spirit of the Chartered Management Institute, and its support of leaders who actively seek to drive new standards of business performance.