A campaign is underway to ballot Newcastle’s businesses to have a say on the city’s future. Our Business Editor reviews the landscape and issues at play.
There’s a big election coming. Admittedly, it’s one that doesn’t involve the public. But it’s important and the outcome will impact on city businesses as well as most visitors to Newcastle.
It’s an election that involves none of the usual political suspects. It doesn’t matter if your politics are red, blue, yellow, or green. Appropriately, this is a very black and white affair.
It’s more of a referendum. A simple yes or no will suffice. Does the business community within the NE1 catchment area of Newcastle want five more years?
It’s a ballot on whether the city’s business community wants to reinstate the NE1 Business Improvement District Company for a fourth term and ring-fence more than £10m investment over the next five years. Alternatively, it’s a chance to say ‘no’ and perhaps make a protest vote.
Banging the drum for both reinstatement and a high voter turnout is the organisation at the centre of things – NE1 Ltd and its team. Leader of the band is Stephen Patterson, CEO of the organisation. He’s inevitably keen to ensure a strong mandate for NE1 for the next five years.
He bangs his drum loud and clear; his message can be heard for all to hear. NE1 exists to serve the city’s diverse businesses – to support, empower and enable them to do better. To help create the best possible commercial environment for members to prosper.
NE1 has spent the last six months or more undertaking an extensive consultation exercise with many of its 1,400 members, as well as conducting consumer and business research. The aim has been to identify the priorities that business members say they have for Newcastle.
Creating a strong, effective voice for the local business community has been one of the key themes since NE1 was founded in 2009. The organisation is proud of its lobbying efforts and claims many successes, particularly in helping secure fundings and grants to support retail and hospitality.
The team at NE1 have always played a key role in promoting what is unique about the city, developing and supporting events that attract a wider audience to Newcastle. NE1’s annual calendar of events includes Newcastle Restaurant Week, Screen on the Green, Summer in the City, and activities around Christmas and New Year. These are events aimed at driving increased footfall and making the visitor experience more enjoyable.
Stephen Patterson makes a compelling case. He’s not just invested because of the job but seems genuine in his passion and love for the city. As a former PR practitioner, Stephen has the skills, smile and charm to win over most people. His persuasive manner, supported by hard evidence, should secure the support of most around the city.
And in truth, there are few vocal critics to be found. NE1 has successfully entrenched itself in the city’s community. The few grumbles you hear are from business people who begrudge having to pay an annual set levy, sometimes seen as another indirect tax on business. On average around £1.8m is raised each year and this money goes towards physical projects such as better lighting and street cleaning as well as the creation of green spaces, crime reduction programmes, events, transport and accessibility improvements.
With a powerful and broad board of directors, NE1 has carefully amassed a group of key stakeholders and supporters who represent most sectors across the city. NE1 looks here to stay. To ensure you have your say in the ballot the key dates are:
Businesses wanting to learn more should visit www.newcastlene1ltd.com
