The ballot to secure another five years of Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID) is being held to give local businesses the opportunity to decide the future of the BID.
Since its inception in 2015, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID has played a leading role in the town’s regeneration and reanimation, delivering high profile events, improving public spaces, supporting local businesses and driving pride of place.
From bringing thousands into the town centre through major events like Lymelight Festival, Castle Food & Drink Festival, Castle Classics, Newcastle Jazz & Blues Fest, Light Up Castle and the LoveNUL Awards, to introducing creative placemaking projects including public art installations, murals, street dressing, the BID has worked to make Newcastle-under-Lyme a more vibrant, welcoming and well known destination.
Alongside its events and cultural programming, the BID also delivers year round initiatives that directly support businesses, from promoting independent traders through marketing campaigns, to offering training and business support, funding for shop front improvements and improving safety and security through partnership working with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Staffordshire Police.
Charlotte Pearce, BID Manager for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said:
“Over the last decade, Newcastle-under-Lyme BID has helped businesses through challenging times while making the town centre more vibrant, attractive and welcoming. Our 2026–2031 proposal sets out bold and practical plans to keep footfall growing, enhance safety and public realm and champion the businesses that make Newcastle unique.
A YES vote secures that investment and momentum. Without renewal, many of the events, campaigns and day-to-day support businesses rely on would stop. We’re asking levy payers to back the next five years so we can keep Newcastle-under-Lyme moving forward.”
Since 2015, the BID has:
- Delivered over 50 town centre events and activations, bringing an estimated 100,000+ additional visitors into the town
- Installed seasonal street dressing and festive lighting schemes to enhance the look and feel of Newcastle
- Invested in safety and security partnerships, including CCTV initiatives and monthly safety drop in sessions for businesses alongside partners
- Delivered social media campaigns generating millions of online impressions, boosting the visibility of local businesses
- Supported collaborations with partners including Keele University, Appetite, Staffordshire Chambers and NSCG Newcastle College to create opportunities for local enterprise and creativity
- Secured an additional £150,000+ worth of investment through grants and sponsorship
- Delivered free public Wi-Fi across the town centre, improving visitor experience and supporting digital engagement for businesses
- Issued monthly email campaigns to over 5,000 subscribers, celebrating local businesses, events and positive stories from the town centre
Without a successful renewal, these projects, services and improvements will come to an end in March 2026, meaning the town would lose the dedicated investment, events and business representation that the BID brings.
Businesses across the town are now being encouraged to show their support by voting YES to a third BID term, ensuring the momentum continues and Newcastle-under-Lyme remains a place that attracts people, businesses and investment.
Michelle Lewis of Specsavers said:
” We would love to see the BID contract renewal as the support is invaluable for all small businesses in the town. We really appreciate having a local team who know the town and are available to contact for any support we need. BID are great at connecting us as business owners together and ensuring strong footfall in town through events throughout the year. We certainly benefit from the planned events and look forward to being involved with them for years to come!”
Jeremy Bostock of Thompson Wright added:
“The BID’s work with the High Street Task Force and other strategic partners shows they’re thinking long-term about the town’s future. We’ve felt the benefit of their advocacy and planning, and we’re voting YES to ensure Newcastle under Lyme continues to evolve and improve.”
Ballot papers have been issued to eligible businesses within the BID area, with voting open until Thursday 13th November 2025.
