Leading the BID industry
Leading the BID industry
Thank you to those who were able to join us at the 2025 National BIDs Conference.
It was an incredible day filled with networking, meaningful connections, and engaging discussions.
A huge thank you to all of the speakers who joined us at the 2025 National BIDs Conference.
We hope you enjoyed each of their sessions and discussions.
Lisa has such an incredible amount of insight and experience, and will brought our members an exceptional overview of what's happening when it comes to retail crime, and where the NBCC sits in that focus.
Jenny is an Assistant Chief Constable with South Wales Police, having served previously with British Transport Police in London and Scotland. Alongside her responsibilities in force ACC Gilmer is the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for CCTV, Courts and Right Care Right Person. In 2024 she became the national lead for Community Safety Accreditation Schemes (CSAS) and private security industry liaison.
Jenny will joined the discussion with Lisa on Neighbourhood Policing and Town Centres - Tackling crime and promoting safety.
The UK government's "Pride in Place" Strategy is a programme aimed at revitalising disadvantaged communities by investing in public spaces, high streets, and community assets. It is seeking to empower communities with new rights, including the ability to influence local development and foster a strong sense of belonging and local identity.
Davy talked about the recently announced strategy and in particular the aspects which relate to BIDs.
Allen has had a really varied and interesting career, including serving in organisations such as the Foreign Office and London Stock Exchange. He joined UK Hospitality in 2024 as Deputy Chief Executive, before stepping into his current role.
We heard from the CEO of UKHospitality on what the future holds for the UK’s high streets. Why do they matter so much to politicians? What levers might the government pull—could we see a tourism tax, more A-BIDs, or changes to licensing? And will there be more interventions like the Mayor of London’s move to take control of Oxford Street?
Vivienne is currently Director of Broadmead BID, one of the UK’s smaller but long-standing BIDs, now in its 20th year. By the time of the National BIDs Conference, she will have taken on the role of Director of Operations at the newly formed Bristol BID — a merger of Broadmead BID, Bristol City Centre BID, and Redcliffe & Temple BID. Launching its first term just days before our Conference, Bristol BID will represent nearly 1,400 hereditaments and unlock £18 million of investment over five years, making it one of the largest BIDs in the country.
In her session, Vivienne shared the rationale behind the merger, the challenges of aligning three BIDs with different term dates, and her vision for the future. She also explored the evolving role of BIDs — balancing strategic influence with the delivery of core, on-the-ground services — and ask the question: Can BIDs be all things to all people?
Dee is Chair of High Streets UK - a pro-growth, nationwide partnership which aims to tackle the most pressing issues facing the UK’s flagship high streets and unlock local and national growth. Since its launch in January 2025, High Streets UK has led policy discussions on business rates, the delivery of safer high streets, and the UK’s competitiveness as a tourist destination. Dee is also Chief Executive of New West End Company – the Business Improvement District representing over 600 businesses in London’s West End.
Dee talked about the work of High Streets UK, of which she is a founding member alongside others including leading Business Improvement Districts from Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds, London and Newcastle.
Paul leads the delivery of the agency’s largest operational programme. A Chartered Surveyor with 35 years of public service, Paul joined the VOA in 1990 following a brief period in private practice.
Paul talked about the upcoming revaluation and the VOA’s approach.
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 and Lucy discussed industry trends and standards.
Lucy assists BIDs with a range of support and projects.
Lucy and Chris discussed industry trends and standards.
Thank you to our 2025 National BIDs Conference sponsor, Blachere Illumination, who have been leading the way in commercial festive decorations for over 45 years. Most recently, Blachere have been addressing plastic pollution with their Recyprint range, where plastic bottles are collected and used to create stunning illuminations. They are also a recognised partner with WWC thank to their eco-friendly products.
Hopefully you had an opportunity to catch up with the team.
Thank you to our 2025 exhibitors, including:
ASEL (Argenbright Security Europe Ltd) | Bay Media | Beauclair Ltd | Compact Electric Vehicles | Odin Events
We hope you managed to visit each of their stands to discuss their latest products and services.
This year we hosted the conference at the grade II listed building, One Moorgate Place in London, which first opened in 1893.
As you venture through One Moorgate Place, you will appreciate the creative engineering work of the original architectural style and building design. With extensions and updates taking place throughout its history, there is a strong art-deco feel in some areas which juxtaposes the original features.
Although a grade II listed building, One Moorgate Place continues to move with the wants and needs of the events and conferencing market and maintains to keep up with technical developments of the 21st century.
