Given the new government restrictions announced on Saturday 31^st October 2020, a number of Newquay traders have to now close temporarily for one month. Despite this, many continue unabated to operate in some capacity, demonstrating new ideas, creativity and resilience, further showcasing Newquay’s ability to be a pro-active and agile town.

As ever, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) is there to support businesses throughout these difficult times and is keen to do as much as possible to help everyone navigate these unchartered waters. The BID would like to hear any suggestions of what that it can practically do to support businesses.  For example, if businesses are offering a delivery service or altered opening hours, then it would like to know if it can support that effort and message via its BID and LoveNewquay social channels and networks.

From direct, delicious doorstep deliveries, contactless collections to a strategic shift to online trading, Newquay’s business community continues to innovate and demonstrate a true resilience during a time of global crisis.

Some of the food and drink businesses who plan to remain open in some capacity include café, Coffee on the Corner which is operating as a takeout service and is even launching a lockdown special!  Cornwall’s only French patisserie, ChouKette Newquay is returning to its delivery service every Tuesday and Saturday. The team is promoting its full menu on its website and will be simultaneously using this time to develop its much-anticipated deliciously festive Christmas treats. The Cornish Bakery on Bank Street will remain open between the hours of 8am and 3pm from Monday to Sunday selling a limited menu of delicious pastries, pasties and freshly-ground coffee in addition to continuing its new ‘pasties by post’ service.

Suppliers of the ultimate motorbike brands for defiantly adventurous woman, Ride and Defy will be showcasing more of its wears online with a ‘click and collect’ service, its usual delivery for those further away and free deliveries locally. Prior to the announcement, the shop was offering parts of the store for free to other businesses that may have suffered from a lack of trade shows or events over the year. Unfortunately, the second lockdown means this Winter Pop-Up concept can no longer take place but the team remains positive.

Gillan Pope of Ride and Defy said, “Like many others we have been hit by the second lockdown and it is a worrying time. However, we are trying to think as innovatively as possible to deliver a boutique experience whilst the doors are shut. The ethos behind Ride and Defy is to provide a welcoming environment for women who have a passion for motorbikes and fashion, to browse, relax and shop whilst enjoying a coffee, craft beer or cocktail. We are under the same roof and work closely with Project Eighty-Three, who specialise in men’s protective gear and together we are normally on hand to deliver expert advice on our technical garments that deliver protection for riders. We are currently trying to put things in place to deliver this virtually.”

Gillan continued, “In addition, we have extended our sale and are also offering a free delivery service to the TR7 area as well as click and collect service. We can appreciate that our customers may have also been hit so we want to ensure they can still treat themselves and others in the run up to Christmas.”

Andrew Ward, The Cornish Bakery Area Manager covering the Newquay store said, “We are really pleased to be able to keep our Newquay store open, operating as a takeaway only service, providing customers with their special Cornish moments throughout lockdown. Our brilliant team is serving up delicious breakfast items, pastries, pasties, cakes and our hand roasted coffee and drinks menu between 8am and 3pm daily. As ever the health and well-being of our colleagues and customers will remain our number one priority so all of our extremely high safety standards will continue to be implemented unabated. For those who are unable to make it into our store during the four-week lockdown, we are now also operating a popular pasties by post service, delivering our award-winning pasties to doorsteps all over the UK – you can order via our website.”

Carla Jones, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, said, “The announcement and implementation of a second national lockdown was naturally a devastating blow, there is no denying that. We want to stress to businesses that we are all in this together and are here to support wherever and whenever possible. The ways in which Newquay businesses responded to the first lockdown was truly remarkable and if we can echo some of that this time around, we remain optimistic that we will get through this. We are really proud to be part of such a vibrant, resilient network and we are constantly amazed at the creativity, innovation and spirit continually demonstrated.”

Carla continued, “There has never been a more apt time to shop local and even if you cannot physically visit local shops, there are other ways in which you can support local; whether it is ordering a takeaway or simply liking and sharing posts on social media with friends and family. All support for business is helpful during this time. We recently announced our five-year vision of sustaining Newquay as a leading visitor destination for tourism, business and living to create a progressive, adaptable and resilient economy and we stand by this now more than ever.”

“Knowing that many businesses 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 businesses 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”

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 will have received their ballot papers by November 9^th, after which they have a 28-day period to submit their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote. The postal ballot will close on December 10^th at 5pm with the result being announced on December 11^th. If the vote is successful, the third term of Newquay BID will commence on April 1^st 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