Newark businesses work together to plan for the future

From hairdressers and cafes to accountants and pub owners, Newark businesses joined forces to discuss and put forward ideas which will help shape the town. It was an opportunity for businesses to engage with one another and share what they would like to see happen in Newark.

Part of the evening was conducted by specialist place-shaping consultancy firm Locus Management Solutions who have been working with the District Council to engage with businesses over the past few months. This event was an opportunity for businesses to discuss their ideas with one another and understand collective survey feedback previously submitted by other town centre business owners.

Comments will now help form an action plan which a newly-formed Newark Town Centre Partnership will develop and seek to bring some of the ideas into reality. The Partnership was originally created by Newark and Sherwood District Council with the intent to work collaboratively with independent businesses who want to lead change and make a positive difference in the town.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Newark is lucky to have so many independent businesses who want to work together and are active in supporting each other. These events are a great opportunity for businesses to speak face-to-face with each other and to let us know what they want to see change in Newark.

“Businesses are finding it extremely challenging  at the moment; people’s change in shopping habits, the loss of big retailers, the cost-of-living crisis and the rise in energy and rent costs means businesses need our support now more than ever. There were lots of great ideas from the meeting and I’m excited to see where the Newark Town Centre Partnership takes them.”

Les Jones, Director at INIZIO Hair, said: “The Business engagement meeting gave retailers the opportunity to ‘have a voice’ in where we felt we needed to see change in our town centre. It was encouraging to see that District Council are keen to get it right and invest money in the right areas and were listening to what we had to say.”

This year, the District Council is making extra efforts to support businesses during this crucial time. They’re providing free car parking at weekends from Sunday 26 November until Sunday 31 December in District Council owned car parks and are working on a Winter Wishes campaign to encourage people to visit their local town centres.

The District Council recently opened the Business Support Hub which provides in-person expert marketing advice every Tuesday from Inspire Buttermarket in Newark between 11am and 1pm.  They also provide a free service to grant finder searches, access to data such as footfall and carparking, workshops throughout the year, frequent Shop Local campaigns, discretionary rate relief on business premises and access to the Shared Prosperity Fund to support businesses to grow.

The Town Centre Partnership gives local businesses the chance to shape, influence and work collaboratively in what they want to see change in Newark. The first meeting of the partnership will take place in the next few weeks.

For business support or to talk to the District Council about any concerns you may have about your business, please contact: Economic.Growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk