ONLINE CONSULTATIONS, VIRTUAL CAROL SERVICES AND LIVE STREAMING FUNERALS ARE SOME OF THE WAYS NEWQUAY’S BUSINESSES SURVIVE LOCKDOWN 2

Given the government restrictions announced on Saturday 31^st October 2020, a number of Newquay traders have had to close temporarily for one month but for many in Newquay’s professional service industry, it is business as usual, or rather ‘unusual’ in some cases.

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.

From a shift to online consultations and virtual meetings to livestreaming funerals, it is not just Newquay’s retail sector that is continually innovating and demonstrating a true resilience during a time of global crisis. St Petroc’s Church is even conducting its annual Carol Service virtually this year to keep spirits high and to spread a little festive cheer to all.

In terms of professional services, estate agents, Newquay Property Centre and Start & Co will remain open throughout the second lockdown period with a few changes. Physical appointments under strict COVID-19 secure measures with estate agents can continue. Similarly, Miller Countrywide Estate and Lettings Agency Newquay will remain open for business. Andrew Henwood Funeral Directors is also remaining open 24-hours for its clients during lockdown, as does Ken Newcombe Funeral Directors.

Regional manager for Miller Countrywide (covering Newquay), Steve Trudgeon said, “The great news for our buyers, sellers, landlords and tenants is that we are fully operational and house moves will not be affected by the lockdown restrictions. We remain fully COVID secure in our operations and can assist in all aspects of the house moving process. We are here, just an email or phone call away.”

Co-director of Andrew Henwood Funeral Directors, Laura Henwood said, “We would like people to know that we remain open during the second lockdown and we are there for our clients still on a 24-hour basis. Our office remains open and we are all safely set up so that we can still welcome clients in for socially-distanced face-to-face consultations. Although funeral attendance figures have been restricted because of the pandemic, ceremonies are still very much taking place and we can still provide our expert advice, support and deliver an absolutely fitting tribute to loved ones during this difficult time.”

Funeral director at Ken Newcombe Funeral Directors, Steve Jones said, “We see our job as a vocation and caring for bereaved people is our highest priority. I’m very proud of the way we’ve adapted so as to continue providing comfort and closure for bereaved families. Under normal circumstances we would meet the family face-to-face. We would take time to get to know them and listen to their stories about the person that has died so we can help tailor the funeral to their needs. We are now just meeting a couple of members of the family but with everyone wearing face masks and following social distancing guidelines.”

Steve continued, “To ensure the safety of both our clients and colleagues we have installed Perspex screens in our limousines. Under government guidelines, funeral services now have smaller congregations and are currently limited to 30 attendees. As a result, one innovation that many mourners have welcomed is the live streaming of funerals; allowing mourners to virtually attend funerals when they can’t physically be there themselves.”

Newquay’s CBD-only specialist retail outlet, CBDispensaries will be offering an online service to those who are interested in the benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD), on hand to answer any product related questions via email at info@cbdispensaries.co.uk. Managing Director of CBDispensaries, Alice Wilson said, “We will be continuing our online shop where deliveries are made daily from Monday to Friday. We use first class delivery so orders should be received promptly!”

Carla Jones, Newquay Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, said, “For many, thinking about Newquay or even Cornwall together with business, conjures up images of tourism businesses. Of course, these make up a large portion of our economy and are vitally important to our landscape but we have a myriad of other industries operating in our town. The UK’s professional services sector is by far the largest part of the UK economy. This sector is allusive in Newquay, often hidden from view but it forms a critical backbone of our town’s business landscape. As ever, 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 by Newquay businesses of all kinds.”

Carla continued, “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”

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 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.