Our WOrk
The present NBA was established in 2012, with our initial focus directed towards bolstering local initiatives and events, alongside enhancing the celebratory atmosphere of Christmas in Newport. Here's an overview of our ongoing activities since our inception: -
Hanging Baskets
Since 2022, the NBA has organised the sale of hanging baskets for businesses in Newport, helping bring colour and vibrancy to the town centre during the summer months.
The scheme is available to NBA members and non-members, giving businesses across Newport the opportunity to take part and help make the town a more attractive place to visit.
Newport Hustings 2024
In 2024, the Newport Business Association helped organise a hustings event at the Apollo Theatre, bringing local political candidates together for an evening of questions and discussion with the community.
The event was another example of the NBA’s active role in supporting Newport and providing a platform for local businesses and residents to engage with important issues affecting the town.
The NBA’s banners were prominently displayed at the event.
Operation Geranium
The Newport Business Association is proud to support Operation Geranium, a community initiative helping to brighten Newport and bring local businesses and residents together.
The Newport Business Association has supported the project through sponsorship of postcards, helping members distribute potted geraniums to customers, and promoting concerts arranged by Steve Double in association with Operation Geranium.
It’s another great example of local businesses working together to make Newport a brighter and more vibrant place.
One-Hour Free Parking Initiative
Our proudest achievement of 2022 has was convincing the IW Council to trial a one-hour-free parking initiative in various car-parks around Newport. The one issue our customers and clients complain about more than any other is the cost of parking in town, so we firmly believed this was an important step forward.
Although the scheme, as it is, will end in 2024 we strongly encourage individuals and businesses to make their views known to the IW Council.
Post Office Feasibility
Losing the central Post Office in January 2021 was a huge blow to the town – for residents and businesses alike. We are currently assisting the IW Council with a feasibility survey into the benefits of supporting a new Post Office in town.
[Update 2024: - The Newport Business Association is pleased that another Post Office has opened in the Town.]
Team GB Triathlete
During the early summer months, the NBA mobilised efforts to raise funds in support of our esteemed local Veteran Team GB Triathlete, Janet Fletcher, to aid her in her international competitions. Janet receives minimal assistance with the expenses of travel and accommodation for her competitions so we were delighted to be able to provide financial support for several of her events throughout the Summer and Autumn seasons.
Here, Treasurer Simon is seen presenting Janet with a cheque totaling £400.
2026
Hanging Baskets
Since 2022, the NBA has organised the sale of hanging baskets for businesses in Newport, helping bring colour and vibrancy to the town centre during the summer months.
The scheme is available to NBA members and non-members, giving businesses across Newport the opportunity to take part and help make the town a more attractive place to visit.
Newport Heritage Day
In 2026, the NBA once again helped organise and promote Newport Heritage Day, bringing businesses, community groups and visitors together to celebrate the town’s fascinating history and heritage.
The event provided another great opportunity to showcase Newport, encourage visitors into the town and celebrate the organisations and people that help make the town special.
2025
Newport Events Calendar
In January 2025, the NBA launched its online Newport Events Calendar, creating a central place to promote local events and help residents and visitors discover what’s happening across the town.
Skill Up at 6
The NBA has organised and delivered a series of free business skills events at the Isle of Wight College, helping local businesses and entrepreneurs develop practical skills and share knowledge.
One of the sessions, “Skill Up at 6: The Power of Marketing”, brought local businesses together to explore marketing, branding, digital outreach and customer engagement, alongside opportunities for networking and discussion.
The events form part of the NBA’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development and success of Newport’s business community.
Newport Heritage Day 2025
The NBA helped promote and organise Newport Heritage Day, bringing local businesses, community groups and visitors together to celebrate the town’s rich history and heritage.
It was another opportunity for the NBA to support local events and encourage people to explore and enjoy Newport.
2024
New Look Website
In April 2026, the Newport Business Association launched its new-look website, making it easier for local businesses, residents and visitors to find out about the association, its members, events and ongoing work supporting Newport.
Supporting Sustainable Newport
In 2024, the NBA helped promote a sustainable drainage and water butt scheme for Newport businesses, funded by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.
The initiative offered eligible local businesses free water butts with sustainable drainage systems, helping to reduce surface water and the risk of local flooding. The NBA was pleased to help spread the word and encourage businesses across Newport to take part.
Newport Heritage Day 2024
The NBA helped promote and organise Newport Heritage Day, bringing local businesses, community groups and visitors together to celebrate the town’s rich history and heritage.
It was another opportunity for the NBA to support local events and encourage people to explore and enjoy Newport.
2023
2022
Free parking trial
The NBA successfully worked with the Isle of Wight Council to introduce a trial of one-hour-free parking in selected Newport car parks, responding to one of the most common concerns raised by local businesses and visitors.
Supporting Newport’s Post Office
Following the closure of Newport’s central Post Office, the NBA supported an Isle of Wight Council feasibility study into the potential benefits of establishing a new Post Office in the town.
Supporting local sport
The NBA raised funds to support local Veteran Team GB triathlete Janet Fletcher, helping towards the travel and accommodation costs of competing internationally.
2021
Blooming Well Together in Newport
Following the Covid lockdowns, the NBA launched Blooming Well Together in Newport, bringing colour and positivity back to the town. Local schoolchildren created colourful flowers for shop windows, while businesses worked with Care in the Garden to introduce matching hanging baskets around Newport.
Operation Geranium
The NBA supported Operation Geranium, helping distribute postcards and other materials as part of a campaign bringing friendship and support to elderly and isolated Island residents during the pandemic.
2020
Operation Geranium
During the Covid pandemic, the NBA supported Care in the Garden’s Operation Geranium, with local businesses helping distribute free postcards designed by Island artists. The campaign encouraged people to stay connected by sending messages to friends and family they could not visit.
2019
Newport Jazz Festival
The NBA supported the Newport Jazz Festival for a second year, with local businesses taking part in a music-themed shop window competition.
Have Your Elf a Merry Little Christmas!
The NBA organised a festive town-wide window competition, with participating businesses hosting elves and shoppers solving a Christmas-themed puzzle for the chance to win prizes donated by local businesses.
2018
Newport Angel Festival
The NBA teamed up with St John’s Church for the Angel Festival, connecting local businesses with art students from the Island’s sixth-form college. Students created individual angel artworks which were displayed in participating businesses before being brought together for the festival at the church.