Carla Marie-Jones, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager said, “The Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is causing concern for businesses across the country and it goes without saying that we are all experiencing an unprecedented situation, one that is fast changing as new information and advice comes out daily. If your business is feeling the impact, you’re in need of advice of how to prepare and communicate with your staff, or are looking for the latest guidance for dealing with customers in your business, Newquay BID has a useful guide with links to information which can be downloaded from our website. This is being updated as and when new information is released. We are working closely with our PR company and brainstorming ways in which we can really add value and be of benefit to the business community during this time. We are liaising with local organisations including Newquay Town Council, Cornwall Council, Visit Cornwall and other Cornish BIDs is ensuring that we are all disseminating the same, up to date information as and when we have it. A collective voice is really important and reassuring in this current noisy landscape.

Despite the circumstances, what we have been seeing over the past few days in Newquay, is a prevailing business community spirit, creativity and positivity, which is truly admirable. Of course, it is easier to feel more positive and draw on your reserves of resilience when you live and work in such inspiring surroundings. We can really feel proud of our independent business owners, hospitality and retail sectors and the supportive community that is around them. Newquay businesses are showing their ability to innovate and continue to demonstrate their entrepreneurial spirit, while at the same time thinking about the impacts on the wider community and what people may be requiring at this crucial time.

Newquay BID as an organisation will be reviewing its project delivery over the coming months, adapting to businesses’ needs where possible in order to provide the most influential and positive reactive work that may be required. We would like to know ways that we can practically support our businesses and our business community during this time. For example, if businesses are offering a delivery service or altered opening hours, then please do let the BID know if we can support that effort/message. If businesses have literature that they wish to circulate to the wider community, or changes to their opening hours or operating plans, then we can help share that info across all our networks and platforms. There has never been a more vital time for us as a community to come together and collaborate as far as possible. Please send all content to social@newquaybid.co.uk

Newquay BID as an organisation is adhering to governmental advice and closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds and will continue to adapt following such guidance. Despite this, we are currently ‘business as usual’ and here to support and advise so please get in touch via email at any point. Further activity updates will follow over the coming weeks, but we are all in this together and Newquay BID are keen to do as much as possible to help everyone get through these unchartered waters. The health and wellbeing of the levy payers, our team, our suppliers and partners is always our top priority and our thoughts go out to anyone who has been personally impacted, we hope that your families are safe and well.