As we seek to provide as much help, support and advice during this time of crisis, Newport Now BID has launched a new weekly online service for its members.

#BIDHour will be running every Wednesday 2pm to 3pm via the Zoom application.

The aim of the hour is to give BID members the opportunity to ask any questions they might have about the coronavirus crisis, particularly how to access government support, or simply to just share experiences with other businesses.

Each week we will have experts from sectors such as legal, HR, finance etc on hand to answer questions.

To join the meeting, simply visit: https://zoom.us/j/580799236?pwd=aWhkZStnejNnZkVsY0Uwam9VV3dIUT09

Then enter the following details when prompted:

Meeting ID: 580 799 236

Password: 391440

The BID’s Covid-19 online help and support resource is being updated on a daily basis and features links to business support available from the Welsh and UK governments, HR advice, and information from Newport City Council. Businesses can access the information at newportnow.co.uk/en/news/important-covid-19-advice-for-businesses/

The BID’s Twitter and Facebook pages are also being updated every day.

Some BID services that involve outdoor working or face-to-face contact have been suspended during the current government restrictions.

These include our Ambassadors, who ended patrols yesterday, and the Savings Advisory Service delivered in partnership with Meercat.

BID manager Kevin Ward is, like many other workers, now operating from home following the closure of Newport Now’s office at the Riverfront Theatre, but can be contacted at any time by BID members seeking help, advice or support in the current crisis by email kevin@kevinwardmedia.com