Third term for Newham BID following record-breaking ballot

Newham businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a third term as a Business Improvement District (BID) in a record-breaking ballot. 

One hundred per cent of all the firms and organisations in Truro’s industrial quarter that took part in the month-long postal ballot voted ‘yes’ – making BID history. 

As well as the yes vote, Newham BID met the second test of achieving 100 per cent of the total rateable value of all the votes cast. 

It is understood that no other BID in the UK has scored so highly on both tests before, according to data held by British BIDs. 

It means that at least £428,000 will now be invested in projects and services on the industrial estate to help improve and raise the profile of this thriving part of Truro. 

Newham BID has been overseeing the area since 2013 when businesses first voted to invest collectively in the scheme. 

Securing another five-year term will allow the BID to continue to deliver a range of projects and services, including maintaining the safety and security on the estate, as well as making sure the area remains an accessible, clean, tidy and attractive place to work and invest. 

The team at Newham BID set out its aims and objectives for the site in a detailed document released in June. 

Following publication of the 26-page plan, it was up to business owners and staff working across Newham’s diverse range of organisations to vote on whether they wanted the BID to continue for a third term. 

Newham BID’s Chair Leigh Ibbotson, owner of property management group Cher Varya in Heron Way, said such solid backing would help to strengthen this already close-knit industrial site. 

He said: “It’s an incredible result from the ballot and we couldn’t be more pleased to know that so many of Newham’s businesses and organisations have given us the chance to improve what we have here. 

“Only by working together through the BID will we be able to build on what we have done so far and create more shared successes. 

“We want to thank all of those who have supported us and contributed their time, funds and expertise to making Newham a better place to trade.” 

The new five-year term will begin on 1st September. The BID will then deliver the projects outlined in the business plan, including supporting businesses through networking, training and lobbying and promoting firms through Newham’s news articles and social media channels. All of this will be done on top of the day-to-day job of maintaining the safety, security and general look and feel of the estate through landscaping works. 

The ongoing campaign by Newham BID to object to the Newham Road narrowing under the Truro Loops Scheme because of safety concerns is also a key priority. 

Business owners and staff across Newham are looking forward to the BID’s new term. 

Cameron MacQuarrie, Managing Director, of Macsalvors mobile crane company in Newham Road, said: “The BID pulls us together as one cohesive voice. This has been especially important during the recent ongoing saga with the road narrowing.  

“Since Newham BID has been here, the estate has gone from strength to strength. Looking around since the BID started, we now have security cameras, security patrols and attractive signs giving directions. The whole place is much tidier and cleaner creating an immediate good impression to all customers and visitors." 

Sally Lugg of Primrose Herd, which has a butchery in Lighterage Hill, said: “When we moved our butchery to Newham in order to increase capacity, the work of Newham BID immediately became a huge asset.  

“It gives the business community here cohesiveness and a strong voice, and in all our interactions with the team they have been extremely supportive. We’re thrilled that Newham BID has secured another term and look forward to the continuity that will bring.” 

Carole Theobold is Chief Executive of iSightCornwall, based in Newham Road. She said: “Now more than ever, businesses need to work together.  

“Newham BID has always put the interests and priorities of our local business community first and ensured that our views are heard. We are a key player in the city centre community, driving forward positive change to the way we manage and promote ourselves.