Meet The Team

Nic leads the British BIDs team and chairs the Advisory Board, which he has done since May 2020. Experienced within the BID industry, Nic is Chief Executive of South Bank Business Improvement District, and South Bank Employers’ Group (SBEG).. Nic has 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. Chris focuses on BID research, training, governance and local and central government relationships for British BIDs.

Chris is Business Development Director of the Winchester Business Improvement District and authors the annual National BID Survey. Chris is also an assessor and tutor on both the Certificate in BID Management and Diploma in BID Leadership courses. 

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 has worked alongside dozens of BIDs in providing marketing support, communication strategies, retail strategies and is a tutor on some of British BIDs' training courses.

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 and leads on British BIDs events including the National BIDs Conference and works closely with businesses and place shapers across the UK. 

Sam is responsible for supporting locations where British BIDs provides management support alongside the provision of membership services and supporting members on a daily basis. Sam is experienced in the delivery of all aspects of BID management including stakeholder engagement, strategy setting, external funding applications, event management, public-realm installations, leisure and night time economy interventions and marketing and comms.

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 16 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.

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.

Having previously worked in media sales for over 3 years in advertising, Shayni joined the British BIDs team in 2022 as our Business Development Executive. In this role, Shayni's main priorities include supporting our members while also focusing on new business development.

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.

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.