Businesses Back Newquay’s Future: £1.1 Million Boost Secured After Record ‘YES’ Vote

Newquay’s business community has given an overwhelming show of support for its Business Improvement District (BID), voting for a fourth five-year term with the strongest ‘YES’ result since the scheme began 14 years ago.

Record Support from Newquay Businesses

A total of 84 percent of businesses and organisations within the BID area voted in favour during the month-long postal ballot. Alongside the majority vote, Newquay BID also passed the second ballot test, securing 85 percent of the total rateable value of all votes cast.

The results mark the strongest support the BID has ever received, demonstrating continued confidence in its work despite ongoing economic challenges.

At least £1.1 million will now be invested in projects and services identified by businesses themselves, including marketing campaigns, events, safety and accessibility improvements, and projects to keep Newquay clean and attractive as a place to live, work and invest.

Continuing to Deliver for the Town

The new five-year term begins on 1st April 2026, with the BID focusing on four key themes: Marketing; Events; Safer, Cleaner and Greener; and Business Support and Representation.

Newquay BID has operated since 2011 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, run by a voluntary Board of Directors made up of local business leaders. One of its founder directors, Veryan Palmer, who also serves as Chair and is the family director of The Headland Hotel, welcomed the result.

“It’s a fantastic result for Newquay and shows that businesses have recognised the value of Newquay BID, the work of the BID Manager, Mark, and are happy to continue contributing funds to support the town’s projects that the businesses identified as part of the consultation process. We want to thank all of those who have supported us and contributed their time, funds and expertise towards the aim of sustaining Newquay as a leading year-round destination.”

Positive Feedback from the Business Community

Businesses across the town expressed their support for the renewal.

David Weiss from Atlantic View Café on East Street said,

“We are really happy with Newquay BID and believe money is spent wisely to benefit Newquay and businesses alike. The events that are organised really help to increase footfall in our town which in turn boosts our takings and keeps the town thriving. I am delighted that Newquay BID has secured a fourth term.”

Jess Parkin from Johnny’s Tobacconist on Bank Street added,

“Mark’s retail background and knowledge has been a great asset to Newquay. The Disc app has massively increased business communication both through the app & over shopwatch radio. The rangers are the perfect solution to address anti-social behaviour in the town and have made a huge impact. It’s great news that other businesses agree and have voted overwhelmingly to support another five-year term.”

Jon Askey from Heron Tennis Centre in Trenance said,

“The attitude and energy shown by Newquay BID is excellent, always supportive and responsive when needed. We are really seeing things happening, so I am delighted that a new term has been secured.”

What is a BID?

A Business Improvement District gives local businesses the power to raise funds locally to be spent locally on improving their trading environment or prospects.

There are currently more than 345 BID schemes across the UK, with eight in Cornwall. Newquay BID’s funding comes primarily from the private sector through a 1.6% levy on the rateable value of premises within the BID boundary. This fund is supplemented by additional cash or in-kind contributions.

Unlike business rates, all money collected remains in Newquay to be spent on priorities identified by businesses. Cornwall Council will collect the levy on the BID’s behalf now that it has been approved.

BID schemes operate on a “business led for business benefit” model and are managed by private, not-for-profit companies. They are designed to deliver visible returns, often leading to safer, cleaner, and more vibrant areas with higher footfall and increased business confidence.

How the BID Process Works

To establish or renew a BID, a ballot must pass two tests:

• More than 50% of those who vote must vote ‘yes’.

• Of those ‘yes’ votes, they must represent more than 50% of the total rateable value of all votes cast.

Once approved, the levy becomes mandatory for all qualifying businesses, regardless of how they voted.

With another term now secured, Newquay BID will continue to focus on supporting the town’s growth and ensuring it remains one of Cornwall’s most dynamic and appealing destinations.