#WEGOTTHISNEWQUAY
With many businesses in lockdown and others feeling the economic pinch of the tier system in place, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) recognises that it is now more important than ever to support local. To reinforce this ‘support local’ message, the BID team has developed and launched a brand-new, vital digital campaign, ‘Shop, Think, Support Local’ using the hashtag #wegotthisnewquay.
Together with Newquay-based creative agency, Ice Cold Gorilla, the BID team has created a series of brightly-coloured visual ads designed to encourage residents and visitors to re-invest and keep supporting their town throughout lockdown – and beyond.
Punctuated by the empowering, positive and aspirational hashtag #wegotthisnewquay, the BID-led and funded social campaign strives to pump out positive suggestions of how individuals can support including; liking and sharing social media posts, writing reviews, ordering fresh food supplies, utilising click and collect services, keeping subscriptions, shopping locally online and purchasing gift vouchers amongst others.
Carla Jones, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, said, “Whilst lockdowns and social distancing measures are crucial to curbing the spread of COVID-19, they can naturally be devastating for businesses. As we find ourselves in Lockdown 2, it’s now more important than ever to support local businesses. This is exactly why we’re launching our #WeGotThisNewquay campaign. We want to encourage people to not only shop local but also to think and support local wherever possible. We understand that times are hard for so many and some may not have the disposable income to splash at the moment but there are other ways in which you can help businesses stay afloat. This could include engaging with them through social media, for example, spreading the word and making recommendations to friends and family, purchasing gift vouchers amongst just a few suggestions.”
Carla continued, “We want Newquay businesses to know that we have their backs and are here to support them through these difficult times. Knowing that many will be concerned about the impact that these challenging circumstances will have on their businesses and also the welfare of staff, both physically and financially, the BID website is being updated regularly with advice and information as soon as we have it. If any members have literature that they wish to circulate to the wider community, or changes to their opening hours or operating plans, then Newquay BID can help share that info across its platforms. Businesses or individuals are encouraged to send content, queries, feedback and suggestions to social@newquaybid.co.uk or info@newquaybid.co.uk”
Director of Start & Co estate agency and voluntary Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) board director, Jonathan Start said, “As a Newquay business owner myself, I understand the negative impact the pandemic has on businesses. We are incredibly lucky to be able to continue operating in some capacity as an estate agency, yet we recognise that many cannot do this and have had to close down operations completely or alter their propositions entirely. We want to help businesses stay afloat during these times and believe it or not, there are ways we can do this from our couch! You can shop local online; many retailers are using online platforms to peddle their wares now and testing these waters. With Christmas just around the corner, let’s think local Cornish Christmas gifts, we have some wonderful creatives in Newquay doing extraordinary things so let’s embrace that. We got this Newquay!”
Creative director of Ice Cold Gorilla, Perry Hughes said, “We recognise that we are in extremely challenging times at the moment which is why we need to club together and support one another. There are so many ways in which we can do this. We are all missing going out and socialising so why not order a takeaway instead? It’s something you can enjoy and it also helps a business owner. We hope that businesses, residents and visitors to the town will be inspired by our campaign and engage with it on social media, sharing far and wide to spread the word. Because together, we got this Newquay!”
Newquay BID is currently in its renewal process and is hopeful for a third-year term, during which it will play a pivotal role in Newquay’s economic recovery. BID-levy-paying businesses received their ballot papers on November 9th, after which they have a 28-day period to submit their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. The postal ballot will close on December 10th at 5pm with the result being announced on December 11th. If the vote is successful, the third term of Newquay BID will commence on April 1st 2021.
Over the past ten years, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) has established itself as an integral catalyst, a constant business and community support provider and a key driver for new businesses relocating to the town. The not-for-profit organisation is also a vital body providing ongoing powerful local, regional and national advertising, media, digital communications, PR and marketing campaigns for Newquay.
A ‘yes’ vote will not only secure circa £150,000 per year over the next five years to spend on re-investing into the town, but we will also simultaneously look to secure additional funding via grants and match-funding as and when the economy allows.
Newquay BID’s business plan is available to view in full via Newquay BID’s website at: https://www.newquaybid.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Newquay-BID-Third-Term-Business-Plan-2021-2026.pdf.
ENDS
