NE1 Ltd reveals plans for third term as Newcastle’s BID company

NE1 Ltd has unveiled plans for a third five-year term as Newcastle’s business improvement district (BID) company.

The organisation is calling on city-based firms to give their views on its new priorities and back NE1 in its BID renewal this autumn.

During a breakfast event held at the Newcastle University Business School on Thursday (May 24), NE1 published a consultation document outlining its priority areas.

Cllr Nick Forbes, Leader of Newcastle City Council, reaffirmed his support for NE1 at the launch by endorsing its achievements over the last five years.

He urged the business community to help shape the plans and challenge NE1 to be bolder and more ambitious over its next term.

Copies of the consultation document, which can be downloaded from the NE1 website, will be sent to the organisation’s 1,400 business members.

A one-month consultation period ending June 29 will see NE1 working closely with businesses to refine and develop the plans.

NE1 will then issue a Business Plan incorporating the feedback on September 3, with the BID vote closing on October 18.

NE1 Ltd chief exec Adrian Waddell said: “This is an important and exciting time for Newcastle and NE1.

“We are proud of all that has been achieved over the last five years with the support and guidance of the city’s business community.”

He continued: “As a BID company and as a city we can’t afford to rest on our laurels and we are passionate and committed to making sure that Newcastle strives to be the best it can be – we need to be relentless in the pursuit of further improvements and opportunities, looking for ways the city can develop, expand and attract investment and visitors.

“Increasingly we are looking internationally to foster world wide links for Newcastle and the North East for trade, education and cultural opportunities that will further cement Newcastle’s position in the premier league of European regional capital cities.”