Newquay businesses show their support as BID works up business plan for next five years

As Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) works on its business plan for the next five years (subject to a successful ballot), the town’s businesses are demonstrating their support for its renewal. The not-for-profit organisation has served the town for almost a decade delivering projects and services to make Newquay safer, more vibrant, more welcoming and to improve and support the vibrant business community. Currently approaching the end of its second five-year term which is due to cease on 31st March 2021, the BID hopes to be reinstated for a further five-year period.

The completed business plan outlining the key aims and objectives that the BID will lead on for the upcoming five-year term will be issued to every single BID levy payer by the end of October 2020 via hard copy in the post. A digital download and link will also be circulated via email and through social media platforms.

On November 10th, the ballot papers will be issued to all BID levy paying members via post. Businesses will then have a 28-day period to cast their votes, which is a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote, before the voting closes on Thursday December 10th at 5pm. The announcement over the future of Newquay BID will then be made the following morning.

Some of the businesses supporting their BID include, Dawn Vine of Harbour Lights Gifts, Jenny Briant of Fistral Beach Surf School and Jill Wilmott, trustee of Trenance Cottages.

Dawn Vine of Harbour Lights Gift, Toys and Fishing Equipment said, “In these unusual times none of us know how the future is going to unfold. With that in mind, here at our family run shop, we agree that we need to pull together and give our great Cornish town every chance to grow and fulfil its fantastic potential as the go-to town in Cornwall for families.”

Dawn continued, “We at Harbour Lights feel that there will be a further surge in holidaying in the UK (as witnessed this year) and less jetting away to foreign shores. Newquay has great attractions such as the Aquarium and a wonderful Zoo. Our beaches are fabulous, and we are, of course, world famous for surfing. So, we need to move forward together with the help of our dynamic BID team to attract even more visitors to the welcoming and beautiful Cornish coast. Long live the Great British Summer Holiday!”

Jenny Briant of Fistral Beach Surf School said, “I hope there is a vote of confidence in the BID from the businesses that it represents. I have championed Newquay BID since its formation back in 2011 and have been a member of the BID board so have seen first-hand the transformative work that goes on behind the scenes to improve Newquay’s vibrant business landscape. If the BID is not voted back in then there will no longer be an individual body devoted solely to and fighting for Newquay’s success. I personally and professionally would like to see this critical work continue.”

Jill Wilmott of Trenance Cottages said, “We are supporting Newquay BID in its upcoming renewal effort because we believe it has done a very good job for the town. We have had support for events in the past and believe in future the BID will be there for us. We get a ‘higher profile’ town for our BID levy and we would hate to lose this valuable asset. By being part of Newquay BID, we feel that we are part of the town’s success and as though we have a voice. We need to all club together during this period of recovery.”

Jill continued, “Earlier this year BID came to the rescue of The Newquay Lions Carnival, which although had to be postponed will hopefully go ahead next year with BID’s support. Many businesses in Newquay may not even be aware of all of the BID’s achievements. The transformative work it has delivered since 2010 is outlined on the organisation’s website and are well worth reading. From press trips to regeneration projects, destination branding to event support and organisation, it is all so beneficial.” 

Carla said, “We are in the process of putting together a strategic business plan for Newquay and we look forward to sharing this with the businesses at the end of this month. We hope members see the value of our service and the benefits that another term of BID will bring. There is so much more to achieve and untapped potential. Yes, there will naturally be challenges ahead but we are here to support businesses and work together to strengthen Newquay.”

Carla continued, “A ‘Yes’ vote will not only secure circa £150,000 per year over the next five years to spend on re-investing into and promoting Newquay, but we will also look to secure additional funding via grants and match-funding opportunism as and when the economy allows. All of which will unlock many incredible opportunities. We truly believe that the future is looking bright for Newquay.”

For more information on Newquay BID, its achievements, initiatives and projects to date, please visit: www.newquaybid.co.uk or email: [email protected].