Cowes Business Association

General information

The CBA is without doubt one of the most active business associations on the Isle of Wight, and is very influential within the community. It represents the greater majority of Cowes businesses, particularly in the High Street area.
It is totally self funding, and does not rely on any financial input from local councils or authorities.

Its main aims are:

To promote the businesses of Cowes.
To promote healthy and ethical business practices.
To influence local authorities on matters to do with the development of Cowes.
To help in the promotion of tourism in the Cowes area and on the island in general.
To help support, and give input, to other local organisations and authorities.
To help promote the image of Cowes as a positive place to do business, and as a great visitor experience.

The CBA is a 'non-profit making' organisation, and apart from secretariat and administration expenses, all funds it raises go directly towards supporting the above mentioned aims.

Throughout the year, the CBA pays directly for music and street entertainment around the High Street area, which adds colour and atmosphere to the whole town.

It also gives regular donations to other local organisations who, through their own activities, directly add to the positive experience of visitors to Cowes, and local residents.

The CBA has the sole planning permission to erect flags and banners through the High Street area, and uses these to help keep a festive feel all year round. The flags and banners are also used extensively to help support the many sponsors who are involved with the dozens of events that take place in Cowes every year, and to help advertise local charities and good causes.

To all those visiting Cowes, whether an island resident or a valued visitor from afar, we hope you enjoy our town. We always look forward to receiving your feedback on your experience in Cowes and any ideas or suggested improvements that could be made.

Welcome to Cowes!

Paul Bertie
Chairman, Cowes Business Association.