Double Win for NE1 at National Bid Awards

NE1, which was once the largest BID in Europe when it was set up in 2009, is now one of the longest-serving BIDs in the country, with its history, heritage, and achievements recognised by the industry in the award for the overall BID Champion of the Year 2026.

The prize acknowledged NE1’s pioneering work, its sustained impact and continued success. In addition to the top honour, NE1 also secured the Best Seasonal Campaign award, for its summer campaign, a prize which commended NE1’s innovative approach to driving footfall, supporting businesses, and enhancing the city centre experience.

The judges praised NE1’s summer programme for creating a vibrant city centre, supporting local businesses, and elevating the visitor experience. From NE1’s Summer in the City, Screen on the Green and Tiny Toon in Old Eldon Square, to Dog on the Tyne, the launch of Quayside Carnival, and the hugely popular NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week were all commended for enhancing the city centre offer. These events increased footfall, dwell time and gave people more reasons to visit and support city centre businesses, crucial when many face trading challenges.

The National BID Awards are held each year to celebrate the dynamism and creativity of over 300 Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) throughout the UK.

The awards are designed to recognise excellence, promote and help share best practice across the UK’s BID districts and celebrate organisations that deliver outstanding results for their local economies and communities.

These latest awards come after NE1 received national and international recognition and excellence awards for its Screen on the Green event last year. The project won an excellence award for urban place management from the International Downtown Association (IDA) (October 2025) and scooped the Best Event award from the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in June 2025.

Commenting on the two latest wins, Stephen Patterson, Chief Executive of NE1 Ltd NE1 said: “We are delighted to have been named the Overall Winner of this year’s prestigious National BID Awards. The accolade recognises NE1’s positive impact and influence in Newcastle and the wider region. Each and every member of the NE1 team gives their all to deliver initiatives that make a tangible difference to the city centre, supporting businesses, driving footfall and creating experiences that encourage people to spend more time in Newcastle. We are doubly proud to have also won the Seasonal Champion Award, recognising the impact our seasonal campaigns have had across Newcastle city centre.

“The judges praised our summer programme for creating a vibrant city centre, supporting local businesses, and elevating the visitor experience. NE1 events bring thousands of people into the city at key moments and encourage them to stay longer, which is especially important when Newcastle businesses are facing tough trading conditions.

“We are extremely proud of these awards which act as a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in city centres.”

 The National BID Awards commented: “A huge congratulations to Newcastle NE1 for being the Overall Winner at the National BID Awards 2026! An incredible achievement that your entire team should be incredibly proud of!”