There are just two days to go until the Newport Now BID ballot for a third 5-year term closes. The postal ballot closes at 5pm on Thursday, November 28.
We know many BID levy payers have already taken the time to vote and return their ballot papers and we’d like to thank you for that.
If you are still to vote, then please do so. It is, of course, entirely up to you how you vote but we would encourage you to vote YES so we can continue with our projects and services until at least 2030.
A YES vote will ensure investment of at least £1.1 million into the city centre from 2025 to 2030, on top of the £3 million the BID has invested in city since we began operations in 2015.
The alternative is that the BID closes and ceases operations for good on March 31 next year, meaning city centre businesses will lose all of the following overnight:
Events such as this month's Countdown to Christmas lights switch-on, which attracted an additional 12,000 people into the city centre, and this summer’s month-long Urban Beach that was enjoyed by almost 10,000 children.
Funding for other major events such as the Food Festival, Pride in the Port and the Big Splash.
Street Ambassadors - on duty 5 days a week, assisting businesses and providing help for visitors and shoppers.
Night Ambassadors - on duty every Friday and Saturday night, helping keep the night time experience safe and enjoyable.
Shopfront Improvement Grant - helping businesses with new signage, painting, lighting and other exterior improvements.
Savings Advisory Service - saving businesses money on their energy, telecoms and merchant fees. More than £100,000 of savings have been identified to date.
Newport Now gift cards - these can only be spent with participating businesses in the BID area. Keeping the Newport pound in Newport.
Newport Now app - packed with offers and deals, events and trails. Free for BID members to promote their businesses.
Newport Business Against Crime Partnership - this service is primarily funded by the BID and provides businesses with free access to information-sharing software and the opportunity to join the CityNet radio system.
A voice for the businesses of the city centre - ensuring local and central governments are lobbied on your behalf.
If the BID ballot is not successful, there is no replacement body that will deliver the objectives, projects and services outlined in the BID's 2025-30 Business Plan.
With just two days to go, if you are planning to vote then please contact BID Manager Kevin Ward by email - kevin@kevinwardmedia.com - and he will arrange for our Street Ambassadors to collect your sealed envelope and deliver it to the Civic Centre.
Ballot packs were delivered by post to all levy payers on October 31.
If you have not received yours or have mislaid it, and you wish to vote, the following legal process must be followed in order to receive a replacement ballot pack.
As per Section 12 of Schedule 2 of The Business Improvement District (Wales) Regulations 2005, lost ballot papers can be re-issued on receipt of a written request to the Returning Officer.
You must provide adequate details of the business address concerned as the substantive ballot has to be cancelled before re-issue can take place.
The written request should be sent by email to: leanne.rowlands@newport.gov.uk
At this late stage in the ballot process, you will need to collect your replacement ballot pack in person from the Civic Centre by appointment.
Remember, the ballot closes at 5pm on Thursday, November 28. Any votes received after then will not be counted.
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