Newtown businesses to be quizzed over town branding

Newtown businesses are to be asked whether the town’s new branding is working and how the council can improve its relationship with the local business community.

Newtown Town Council is preparing to survey businesses and other organisations over the “NEW” Newtown branding as it considers the next stage of the project.

The questionnaire will be sent to contacts on the Newtown Town Partnership mailing list and will ask whether the new identity reflects Newtown and its community.

Businesses and organisations will also be asked whether they would be prepared to become advocates for the brand.

But the survey will go wider than branding, with the council seeking views on how it and its partners can work more closely with businesses, community groups and residents.

It will ask for suggestions on increasing participation, engagement and community-led activity in the town.

The findings will be used to shape future communications and business and stakeholder engagement, as well as the continued promotion of the NEW identity.

The latest move follows more than a year of work on the branding, which was launched in April 2025 around four themes – place, heritage, people and spirit.

It was developed as a common identity that could be used to promote Newtown as a place to live, work, visit and invest, with local businesses and organisations encouraged to use it.

Earlier this year, councillors considered how to increase its visibility and use across the town.

Proposals have included promotional activity, greater involvement from businesses and using the identity across events, markets and digital channels.

The latest survey will now provide some of the first direct feedback from businesses and other stakeholders on whether they believe the identity represents the town.

It also comes as the council continues work through the Newtown Town Partnership to strengthen links with the business community and other organisations.

Issues previously raised through that work have included town centre footfall, events, parking and the wider business environment.

As part of the latest branding work, digital assets have been issued to councillors for use during online meetings.

Lead councillors are due to meet this month to consider the next steps.

The update will go before the town council's Economy and Environment Committee on Monday.