Scheme re-launches in Newquay to help businesses help with rising costs over Christmas
It hopes to help local companies survive during difficult times
A scheme has relaunched to help businesses in Newquay - as the cost of living has put extra pressure on them during the winter months.
The scheme is hoping to encourage more people in the town to shop locally and save local businesses to recover post-pandemic.
Many businesses involved in the scheme have said they're supporting the initiative as the winter months have meant less tourist trade and more of a squeeze on their finances.
The Atlantic View Café in Newquay says they'll have to shut in January and February - and have reduced working hours now.
Claire, the cafe owner, told us there's still not enough support for local businesses from the recent budget: "I think businesses need more help especially now that minimum wage has gone up, I can understand people want more money but it's more cost for us to find to keep them going.
It's going to be a struggle for businesses, and we do need more help and support".
Bethany, who also works there, said: "We are doing five days a week at the moment so we had to make a cut there. We're doing 10am until 3pm now rather than 8am until 5pm or 6pm. On a Thursday we're shut because it's that much quieter, and on a Sunday too.
"We've cut down on the amount of stock we're having, so a reduced menu or fridges because they're so expensive for us to run, electric has doubled or tripled some months. We've just been so careful and monitoring what we're having in, monitoring lights".
It comes as we hear of businesses across the entire county having to close their doors due to struggling to keep up with rising costs.
In Newquay, figures show that if every TR7 post-coded household spent just an extra £5 per week on Newquay’s high street, there would be an additional £45,000 generated into the town’s local economy week-on-week.
Mark Warren, Chair of Newquay BID, added: "This year more than ever it is important to stay positive.
"Newquay BID is determined to provide added incentives to bring everyone out onto our streets —shopping, dining and getting involved in all the great activities, and also using brilliant services, that our local Newquay businesses provide".