Newquay BID will be focusing on a future town-wide approach to economic recovery together with local authorities and partner organisations including Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Council, LEP and local working groups. Carla Marie Jones, Newquay BID Manager says; ‘We are currently awaiting on government guidance to be announced over the coming weeks and then we will be able to determine a strategy going forward. We understand that the restrictions are likely to be lifted in phases and it will be quite some time until we can return to a new side of ‘normal’ but we are confident that Newquay will bounce back to a healthy and buoyant town centre trading environment in the future. Many businesses have adapted in the face of adversity and shown how innovative and resilient they are and can be, which we hope continues to shine through into the future. Being adaptable throughout this pandemic has benefited these businesses greatly and the creativity shown has been remarkable. The whole country is just waiting to find out what the reopening process will look like but at the moment and until then, the BID’s priority still remains with supporting businesses, ensuring we are providing them with all possible information on the support and financial measures available to them. The BID website and social media is being updated regularly with advice and information as soon as we have it.

We are also regularly consulting with the other Cornish BID teams and are sharing best practice and information on county wide recovery, as well as forming part of the South West BID group which is currently lobbying the UK government to understand the crucial need to support all BID members, and BID organisations financially in the coming months, as we all work together to transition out of this crisis situation and back into fruitful, profitable business and trading economy for all members, and all locations.’

Carla continues: ‘Rest assured, Newquay BID will work with partner organisations to make sure Newquay gets the footfall boost when visitors and residents can return to the town, our focus is currently continuing to raise the profile of the innovative businesses who are currently pivoting their services and models to continue to survive. If any Newquay businesses have any ideas about what they would like to see, or proactive opportunities where we can be further supporting and helping, please get in touch.

We are continuing to encourage businesses to complete the COVID-19 business impact survey for Cornwall, as results will be shared with the government to help inform business support measures, and therefore support the revival of our high street in the longer term. The survey for businesses to complete can be found online at: www.ciosgrowthhub.com’

There are two lobbying campaigns (more details below) which Newquay BID as part of SW BIDs are currently supporting as we recognised the need for this further support to some of our businesses. Whilst, to date, the financial package available from the government has indeed been very well received and much needed by businesses, there is still some businesses and areas that need additional support measures to be put in place to offer some financial respite during this time.

National TimeOut Campaign – Proposal which asks for an immediate 9 month rent payment freeze for tenants, in conjunction with mortgage payment / loan repayment holiday for landlords; both charges would be added to the end of lease period by lease extension.

Raise the Bar Campaign – Proposal which asks to expand the rateable value threshold for all retail, hospitality and leisure businesses from £51,000 to any business with a rateable value up to and including £150,000, allowing more businesses the opportunity to access the £25,000 Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant (RHLG).

For more information, please see the Newquay BID website or email info@newquaybid,co.uk

ENDS