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, the LEP and local working groups.

BID manager, Carla Marie Jones, said: “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 benefitted 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 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.”

She continued: “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.”

There are two lobbying campaigns which Newquay BID is currently supporting. The National TimeOut Campaign is a proposal which asks for an immediate nine 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 the lease period by lease extension.

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