Leading the BID industry
Leading the BID industry
This year’s National BIDs Conference will take place on Wednesday 4th November at 30 Euston Square, London.
You can expect our packed agenda to focus on the challenges and opportunities facing BIDs and places. Growth strategies, devolution, the Overnight Visitor Levy, government policy and the future of place leadership will be discussed throughout the day, alongside dedicated networking opportunities.
More details to be announced soon - secure your ticket today.
The photo gallery from this year's Conference can be viewed here.
BOOK YOUR TICKETSAdditional speaker announcements coming soon...
Simon has been CEO of the multi-award winning Camden Town Unlimited since 2007. He also leads Camden Collective, Euston Town and currently sits on the London Partnership Board. Simon was made a Life Peer in January 2025.
Simon brings a wealth of experience across business, public policy and the visitor economy. A strong advocate for economic growth, innovation, and regional development, his insights into the role of BIDs in driving investment, collaboration, and long-term prosperity are particularly relevant to the current landscape.
Claire is the Mayor of the East Midlands, representing 2.2 million people and leading the East Midlands Combined County Authority. She is responsible for transport, skills, housing, net zero and economic development, using these powers to drive inclusive growth across the region.
Previously MP for Watford (1997–2010) and a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Claire is a strong advocate for devolution. Mayor Claire will talk about the role of deeper devolution in achieving “growth in every postcode”, and will explore how BIDs will thrive in a more devolved country.
Katherine is the Visitor Levy Manager at the City of Edinburgh Council, where she leads and coordinates across Council teams to implement the levy in the city. From policy definition to the development of £90m of investment programmes using levy funds raised, she is an expert in the practical intricacies of implementation, as well as the significant opportunities which such schemes can bring.
Her project management experience spans the public, private and third sectors.
Roddy is Chief Executive of Essential Edinburgh. During the last eleven years he has led the organisation through two hugely successful renewal ballots as well as delivering major events, projects, and initiatives to support over 600 levy payers in the city centre. Engaging with multiple partners across the city, Essential Edinburgh works proactively to ensure the city is a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Essential Edinburgh has supported, and played a key role, in the major redevelopment of the city centre in recent years with the construction of a new retail and leisure hub in Westfield St James and the reimagining of former department stores into new hotels and visitor attractions. Roddy is a Director of the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, a Council member of Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce and sits on many working groups and committees supporting the economic growth of Scotland’s capital city.
Matthew is Director for Competitiveness at BusinessLDN. He is responsible for a programme of work on competitiveness, including regulatory, fiscal and economic measures that support growth and make London a compelling destination for investment. He is leading BusinessLDN's response to the proposed Overnight Visitor Levy. Matthew has considerable experience in engaging with Government, regulators, and senior business leaders.
Prior to joining BusinessLDN, Matthew was Chief Policy Director and interim Director-General at the CBI. Matthew is also a commissioner on the independent Low Pay Commission that advises the Government on the National Living Wage and was a member of the Mayor of London’s Climate Finance Taskforce.
Steve is Professor of Place Management & Faculty Academic Lead for Research Impact at Manchester Metropolitan University. An expert in high street regeneration and town centre vitality, Steve works with BIDs, local authorities, and research networks across the UK and internationally to drive impactful place-based strategies and urban policy.
Steve co-authored the High Street 2030 Report to support the Timpson Review of the High Street and went on to design and deliver the national High Streets Task Force Placemaking Programme supporting 40 towns across England. He currently leads the Institute of Place Management’s Vital and Viable programme, to provide guidance and support for high streets across the UK and beyond.
Steve has been the Executive Director of the Manor Royal BID, the largest "industrial" Business Improvement District in the country, since it was created in 2013. He has over 20 years economic development, BID management and place-making experience as well as experience of the private and public sector in disciplines from finance and performance improvement to corporate policy and planning. Steve has a Masters in psychological research, design and analysis, and a Merit in the British BIDs Certificate in BID Management, a course on which he now teaches.
He is currently a serving member of the British BIDs Advisory Board, Chair of the British BIDs Industrial BIDs Group and a Trustee of various local charities.
Ruth is Chief Executive of London Heritage Quarter and Founder & CEO of Primera, with over 30 years' experience leading place-based partnerships that have attracted significant private sector investment and driven urban growth. She advises governments and developers internationally and holds a number of senior board and committee positions, having been awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to business.
Sharon is Chief Executive of Sunderland BIDs, bringing extensive cross-sector experience and strategic leadership to champion businesses, strengthen partnerships and drive Sunderland’s economic growth and regeneration.
She is Co-Chair of the North East Combined Authority’s High Street Commission and Sunderland Empire Theatre Trust, a Visiting Professor at the University of Sunderland’s Business School, a Director of Sunderland Business Partnership and a member of the British BIDs Advisory Board.
Heather is Communications Manager at Birmingham Colmore BID, where she leads strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and destination marketing initiatives that support Birmingham's business core. She also supports communications activity for the Birmingham Accommodation BID, helping to promote the city as a leading visitor destination.
With more than a decade of experience across the public and private sectors, Heather has held communications and PR roles with organisations including the NEC Group and Homes England. Passionate about Birmingham and the wider Midlands region, she is actively involved in a number of initiatives that support the region's growth and development.
Chris Turner is an economist and information scientist with a background spanning the British Institute of Management, academic research, and higher education. As Head of Research at British BIDs, he is responsible for BID research, training, governance, business intelligence, and developing relationships with both local and central government.
Chris will provide an overview of current industry trends and standards.
This year, we will be returning to 30 Euston Square, one of the best conference and event spaces in Central London.
Equipped with a state-of-the-art Sony HDR 4K laser projector (DCI cinema industry-approved), surround sound speakers, show lights and the opportunity to produce video conferencing and streaming, the Auditorium space will satisfy the most seasoned conference professionals and enhance your ability to deliver the ultimate delegate or cinema screening experience.
Venue information