Meet The Team

Nic will lead the British BIDs team, his skillset complements the existing team to ensure that Bb continues to lead the industry and provide comprehensive support to BIDs throughout the UK. 

Nic will continue to chair the Advisory Board, which he has done since May 2020, and commences in his new role with immediate effect. Experienced within the BID industry, Nic is Chief Executive of South Bank Business Improvement District, and South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG) and will retain his responsibilities for both. Nic has over 30+ years’ experience working for South Bank BID, SBEG, the National Trust, Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, the Woodland Trust, Groundwork, and the Westway Trust.

Chris is an Economist and Information scientist, having worked initially at the British Institute of Management before moving into academic research and teaching before becoming Chief Executive of British BIDs. Chris focuses on BID research, training, governance, business intelligence and local and central government relationships for British BIDs.

Chris is Business Development Director of the Winchester Business Improvement District and he successfully took the BID through its renewal votes in 2012 and 2017. Chris authors the annual National BID Survey, and is an assessor and tutor on both the Certificate in BID Management and Diploma in BID Leadership. He continues to work regularly in South East Asia, USA and Europe for the University of Winchester and visits business groups and BIDs around the world.

Fiona has worked in place marketing for over 20 years. Having previously worked on large-scale property development projects for a national property marketing agency, Fiona brings an understanding of place into the BID world since 2009.

Fiona works alongside a number of BIDs in providing marketing support and communication strategies.

Ben is responsible for British BIDs operations including the provision of membership services, training and supporting members on a daily basis. Ben has worked in place management since 2002 and BIDs since 2005. Ben leads on British BIDs events including the National BIDs Conference and works closely with businesses and place shapers across the UK.

Emily supports British BIDs members with marketing and communications advice. Whether you are a developing BID or heading into your renewal, Emily is able to provide advice on how you can best communicate with your stakeholders, what an engaging business plan entails, how to run your social media, create engaging content and much more.

Maria has worked in the BID industry for over 14 years and provides trusted support to members on the practical aspects of running BIDs, BID processes and the BID regulations. In her work, Maria was responsible for the management of the MHCLG BID Loan Fund which supported the development of a number of BIDs across the UK.

Mel has been involved with BIDs since 2006 when she started developing Cornwall BIDs. Mel has developed and supported numerous BIDs through successful first ballots and renewals. She has supported BIDs at all levels from feasibility to ballot as well as providing advice on governance issues including auditing BIDs for the accreditation award. Mel also has a part time role managing Newham BID, a thriving business park on the edge of Truro City Centre in Cornwall. Mel supports our members, ensuring that they get the information, advice and good governance guidance they need to prosper and also coordinates the Industrial BIDs Group.

Working in the BID industry since 2015, Abby works on all aspects of finance and personnel for British BIDs, including supporting our BIDs and Business Buddy clients. Abby is on hand to help members with finance queries.

Lucy Stanford assists BIDs with a range of support and projects. Lucy recently worked on the development of the Peterborough BID and was involved in consultation with businesses at local and national level to ensure their support.

Lucy was previously the Director of Operations at Nottingham BID, where she was responsible for overseeing the running of the BID, including the operational stream of delivery and effective partnership working to achieve the BID’s strategic vision for the city. Lucy was also responsible for the successful renewal of the Nottingham BID in October 2020, with a result of 92% of businesses voting in favour by number and 89% by RV. Lucy has completed the Certificate in BID Management and Diploma in BID Leadership.

Alison has worked within the HR arena for many years, joining the British BIDs team in 2018. Alison works with BIDs in assisting with recruitment and personnel functions.

Since 2019, Shayni has worked in media sales within the advertising industry, managing and selling print and digital advertising for a variety of local businesses across Suffolk.

Shayni has now taken a new role at British BIDs supporting our BID members and focusing on new business development.