One of the best things that ever happened to Brighton was the decision of American Express to place its European headquarters here.

Now, 25 years after the building opened in Edward Street, Amex is still by far the largest private company in the city.

It employs more than 3,000 people and has been steadfast in the city while other large operators such as Seeboard and Alliance & Leicester have departed.

The company has kept ahead of the game in a highly competitive market by ensuring its name is highly regarded and making the most of new technology.

Its success has helped attract other companies so financial services are now at least as important as tourism to Brighton and Hove.

Amex has also set an example to other firms in more ways than one. It has given reasonable wages and good conditions.

It has expanded so the company occupies other buildings. May it continue to set an example to the city over the next 25 years.

Brighton and Hove would love it if another similar company would come to the Sussex coast.

But first it will have to make sure a suitable site is available and that is not possible without bold planning decisions like the one that brought Amex here.