Hero Image

Certificate in BID Management

What is the course?

The Certificate in BID Management training course provides future and current BID (Business Improvement District) managers with a comprehensive toolkit, enabling them to manage a BID efficiently and effectively.

After completing the CiBM, you will be able to:

  • Implement principles of good-governance to your BID
  • Develop knowledge of BID-specific financial matters
  • Understand how to create effective marketing campaigns
  • Know how to build a brand around your BID
  • Gain understanding of contractual regulations
  • Manage and develop levy payer relationships
  • Create an in-depth research paper on a matter specific to your BID

Each session runs for approx. 2.5 hours, from 10:30am until 1:00pm (excluding the Presentations Day - we confirm the schedule once the class size is established.) All sessions run online.

If you are interested in completing our Certificate in BID Management course, please get in touch.

The Certificate in BID Management has, since its inception in 2013, become an essential part in the personal development of BID practitioners. The CiBM covers technical aspects including BID legislation, marketing, communications, brand management, contract management, operational skills and delivering value for stakeholders. Together with the specific aspects that each session focusses on, each delegate will produce a detailed research project based on improving or resolving an issue that they find within their current BID, which is then presented to Directors.

The nuances of BIDs means there are specific factors in finance, marketing and operations that are not transferrable from other industries. This means that an understanding of these within the context of the BID industry is crucial to the success of a BID practitioner.

The CiBM has established a proud record of not only assisting in graduates' career development, but also the development of towns and cities through the research conducted by our delegates. Over 180 students from across 100 locations have undertaken the Certificate to date.

Day 1 – Introduction to BIDs

  • Definition and purpose of BIDs
  • History and evolution (Origins, adoption in the UK and globally)
  • 2003 Act, 2004 Regulations
  • Role of BIDs in local economic development
  • Your Research Topic

Day 2 - Governance and Structure

  • Establishing a BID: Ballot process and stakeholder engagement
  • Legal entity options (e.g., not-for-profit, private company)
  • Board composition and governance principles
  • Roles and responsibilities (Executive Director, Board, levy payers)

Day 3 – Funding and Financial Management

  • The BID levy: Calculation, collection and compliance
  • Supplementary funding (grants, sponsorship, voluntary contributions)
  • Budgeting and financial planning
  • Financial reporting and accountability

Day 4 – Operations and Delivering Value

  • Planning and delivering services
  • Procurement and risk management
  • Measuring impacts

Day 5 – Brand & Marketing for BID Managers

  • Your BID brand
  • How to market effectively

Day 6 – Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

  • Engaging with levy payers and local businesses
  • Communication strategies
  • Reputational management and crisis comms

Day 7 – Presentation Support and Practice

Advice and preparation on the presentation of the chosen research topic including;

  • Considering and applying the core steps to being a good presenter
  • Understanding and applying some top tips for delivering effective presentations to any audience
  • Effective verbal and body language

Day 8 – Presentations day

  • Presentation delivered to panel

The cost of the course is £2,000 for Bb members, including their 25% discount. For non-members, please get in touch.

Day 1: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Subject: Introduction to BIDs
Tutor: Chris Turner

Day 2: Thursday 14th May 2026
Subject: Governance and Structure
Tutor: Chris Turner

Day 3: Tuesday 19th May 2026
Subject: Funding and Financial Management
Tutor: Chris Turner

Day 4: Thursday 21st May 2026
Subject: Operations and Delivering Value
Tutor: Steve Sawyer

Day 5: Thursday 4th June 2026
Subject: Brand & Marketing for BID Managers
Tutor: Fiona Wright

Day 6: Thursday 11th June 2026
Subject: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Tutor: Deborah Watson

Day 7: Thursday 9th July 2026
Presentation Support and Practice

Day 8: Thursday 23rd July 2026 (timings TBC)
Presentation day
Panel: Chris Turner, Marc Myers, Claudio De Magalhaes, Sophie Alexander

Day 1: Wednesday 2nd September 2026
Subject: Introduction to BIDs
Tutor: Chris Turner

Day 2: Thursday 3rd September 2026
Subject: Governance and Structure
Tutor: Chris Turner

Day 3: Tuesday 8th September 2026
Subject: Funding and Financial Management
Tutor: Chris Turner

Day 4: Thursday 10th September 2026
Subject: Operations and Delivering Value
Tutor: Steve Sawyer

Day 5: Thursday 24th September 2026
Subject: Brand & Marketing for BID Managers
Tutor: Fiona Wright

Day 6: Thursday 29th September 2026
Subject: Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Tutor: Deborah Watson

Day 7: Thursday 15th October 2026
Presentation Support and Practice

Day 8: Thursday 22nd October 2026 (timings TBC)
Presentation day
Panel: Chris Turner, Marc Myers, Claudio De Magalhaes, Sophie Alexander

Hannah Saroli, Your Bromley BID

Hannah joined Your Bromley in April 2025 as Marketing Manager, bringing experience in place marketing and a degree in Marketing with Digital BSc (Hons) from London South Bank University. She previously worked at Waterloo BID, where she delivered successful campaigns to boost local business and community engagement. 

At Your Bromley, Hannah leads on marketing, promotions, and social media, with a focus on showcasing the town as a vibrant destination. She’s passionate about celebrating Bromley’s character and supporting its business community. 

Vincent Geaves, InColchester BID - BID Manager

Tinyan Osunbor, Fleet Street Quarter BID - Business Engagement Manager

Verley-Ann Robinson, Make It Ealing BID - Business Support Officer

Nigel Shields, Bury BID

As Town Centre Director, Nigel brings extensive experience to Bury BID, including nearly five years as Head of Employer Engagement and Skills at Bury College. With strong knowledge of the area and its business community, he understands the pressures local businesses face. 

Nigel is known for his effective communication with stakeholders, directors, and the public. His passion for supporting all aspects of the town centre is helping to strengthen safety and security, boost events and footfall, and celebrate Bury’s heritage, culture, and history. 

Tyler Smith

Tyler was appointed BID Manager for Orpington 1st BID in February 2025, a role he held until March 2026. Bringing extensive experience in small business support and town centre management from his work at the London Borough of Bexley, alongside consultancy roles with several public‑sector organisations, he focused on delivering the Orpington 1st BID Business Plan and improving outcomes for local businesses and residents.

John-Jo Von Johnson, Colmore BID
“A Business Improvement District (BID) management course is valuable for anyone involved in revitalising and supporting local areas. It provides practical skills, stakeholder engagement, project planning, and financial management tailored to the unique needs of BIDs. By understanding how to run a BID effectively, participants can make a real impact on local economies, enhance public spaces, and drive community collaboration.” 

Suman Marygiri, Central District Alliance
"I recently had the opportunity to participate in the CiBM course. The comprehensive curriculum covered a wide range of topics, from the foundations of the BID framework to governance, funding, marketing, and events management. The course professors shared invaluable insights and practical advice, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.

One of the most significant benefits of the CiBM was the opportunity to connect with BID professionals from across the UK. Sharing experiences and best practices on how to deal with different aspects of working in a BID.

I highly recommend the CiBM, whether you are new to the role or seeking to enhance your existing skills, this course will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to succeed in your role within the BID sector."

Wendy Bell, (formerly) Crawley Town Centre BID
"The CIBM really helped me to consider an issue within our area and then take some time to focus on possible solutions. The time I spent researching my project with other BIDs was really beneficial; as it showed where different BIDs challenges were similar but also our differences too. I would highly recommend this course to new and experienced BID team members."

Cyril Bekoe, Ilford BID
"Joining the BID industry from an external sector, the British BIDs CiBM course has provided me the guidance and support to build a strong foundation on which I can better support my businesses and board. I would strongly recommend the course structure, content and facilitators."

Rachel Dingsdale, South Bank BID
"I would thoroughly recommend the CiBM having recently completed it. The teaching sessions gave a really comprehensive overview of the BID industry and the individual sessions were well presented and involved a good balance of teaching alongside peer to peer learning and collaboration. The chance to network with key figures in the BID world and meet colleagues from across a wide range of BIDs and learn from their experience was invaluable. The written dissertation element of the course gave the opportunity to engage in an in-depth investigation and while challenging was a really important element of the course."

Nick Bishop, Bath BID
"I recently completed the Certificate in BID Management and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has aspirations for a career in the BID industry. The course has provided me with comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of working in BIDs, and I now feel confident in communicating and delivering services to our levy payers. I really enjoyed meeting colleagues from BIDs all over the UK and sharing best practice with one and other. Thank you British BIDs."

Julie Frost, Romford BID
“Having just completed the CiBM I would definitely recommend the course to anyone involved in BIDs around the country. I am new to BID management and found all teaching sessions so helpful, with very knowledgeable presenters and the opportunity to share experience with fellow colleagues in the BID world. Due to covid-19 our course was all completed via Zoom so we did miss out on the personal contact however it did work well and I would highly recommend."

Susan Shaw, Richmond Council
“I enjoyed this very professional and comprehensive BID course and having the opportunity to meet other BID Managers from around the UK. Doing the research project was both demanding and rewarding at the same time!”

Chris Travers, Orpington 1st
“The CIBM was a fantastic experience and one which I would thoroughly recommend to both aspiring and experienced BID personnel. It provided an excellent opportunity to network with peers and a comprehensive look at all aspects of working in the BID industry. The speakers were engaging and knowledgeable and offered unrivalled insights into their respective topics.”

2026

Hannah Saroli, Your Bromley BID

Vincent Geaves, InColchester BID

Tinyan Osunbor, Fleet Street Quarter BID

2025

Jo McGowan, Hello Dorking

Stuart Grainger, Coventry BID

Aaron Corsi, Stratford upon Avon BID

John-Jo Von Johnson, Colmore BID 

Heather Woodhouse, Colmore BID 

Kelsey Dwyer, Colmore BID 

Jenni Tamlin, Bristol BIDs

Graham Schofield, Coventry BID 

Christine Martin, Cranleigh BID 

Rachel Noel, Horsham BID 

Svanitha Barlow, Positively Putney BID 

2024

Jenny Dunlop, I Love Clarkston & All About Barrhead

Michelle Woodland, One Maidstone

Ash Durling, Harley Street BID

Charlotte Ashworth, Station to Station BID

Sarah Walmsley, Brentwood Connected

Ciara Wilczur, Fleet Street Quarter & Positively Putney

Kavita Chauhan, Coventry BID

Simone Brown, South Bank BID

Richard Turner, Newcastle NE1 Ltd

Izabella Kasinska, Aldgate Connect

Liam Sheppard, Newbury BID

Charlotte Irvine, Linen Quarter BID

Louise Whitworth, South Bank BID 

Alexa Volker, Abbey Quarter & Reading Central BID

Thomas Wales, Wakefield BID

Tom Swithinbank, Bristol BIDs

Suman Marygiri, Central District Alliance 

2023

Sara Tupper, Chelmsford for You

Lottie Stanley, InExeter BID

Joanna Breuer, Fulham Broadway BID

Kelly Bliss, South Bank BID

Clarissa Parker, Slough BID

Lee Roberts, Lincoln BIG

Roberta Redecke, Sunderland BID

Angela Grey, Lowestoft Vision

Aaron Finn, Hatton Garden BID

Heather Card-Jones, Hemel Hempstead BID

James Mbanefo, Wandsworth Town

2022

Dan Collins, Salisbury BID

Marcos Gold, Central District Alliance

Andrew Bell, Fulham Broadway BID

Dawn Rondeau, Weymouth BID

Elche Doluner, Colchester BID

Nikita Hart, Sidcup BID

Kate Blenkinsop, Nottingham BID

Mujibur Rahman, Redditch BID

Sean Kennedy, MyMiltonKeynes

Wendy Bell, Crawley Town Centre BID

2021

Emily Stedman, South Bank BID

Richard Green

Joe Sentance, North Notts BID

Cassy Staal, MyMiltonKeynes

Nicki Palmer, Victoria BID

Lyndsay Smith, Coventry BID

Fran Inman, Bristol City Centre BID

Gail Buckland, Hemel Hempstead BID

Claire Dumontier-Marriage, Cheapside Business Alliance

Rachael Smith, Primera Corporation

Gail McGibbon, Sligo BID

Finbarr Filan, Sligo BID

Jenny Granshaw, Cambridge BID

Ellen Fife, Wandsworth Town Centre BID

Kristian Foreman, Cambridge BID

Sarah-Jane Adams, Royal Tunbridge Wells Together

2020

Johnny Englishby, MyMiltonKeynes

Suzanne Gloyne, Southend BID

Cyril Bekoe, Ilford BID

Vicky Lee, Bristol City Centre BID

Vicky Rogers, Halesowen BID

Sophia Beckford, Our Colchester BID

Nick Bishop, Bath BID

Adrian Cousins, Witham Industrial BID

Sarah Davis, Winchester BID

Paula Ratcliffe, Bristol City Centre BID

Olivia Murray, Ilford BID

Julie Frost, Romford BID

Rachel Dingsdale, South Bank BID

Katy Paddock, Colmore BID

Alex Powell, Kidderminster BID

2019

Melanie Beck, MyMiltonKeynes

Abdel Najid, South Bank BID

Ilsa Butler, One Maidstone

Sam Good, Our Colchester

Neil Haggartay, South Bank BID

Amy Coulson, Nottingham BID

Chloe McNeil, Halifax BID

Livia Caruso, Hammersmith BID

Gordon Brockie, Hammersmith BID

Steve Bluff, Broadmead BID

Ellen Storrar, Richmond BID

Jack Cripps, Ipswich Central

Jodie MacAndrew, Collectively Camberley BID

Richard Buxton, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID

Selina Cresswell, Our Colchester BID

Vanessa Sharp, St Albans BID

Caron Linyard, Bexleyheath BID

2018

Shahrukh Bhatty, South Bank BID

John Coward, Nottingham BID

James Dunham, BID Leicester

Jill Farnsworth, Watford BID

Sally Gilborn, North Notts BID

Glen Hempenstall, Uxbridge BID

Craig Hurring, South Bank BID

Simon Jenner, BID Leicester

Claudia Moore, Weymouth BID

Amie Mullen, Lowestoft Vision BID

Sam Murray, Manor Royal BID

Patricia Park, Successful Sutton BID

Indranie Sookdeo, South Bank BID

Paul Spencer, Winchester BID

Lucy Stanford, Nottingham BID

Leonna Staple, Twickenham BID

Amy Williams, Newcastle-Under-Lyme BID

Cheryl Williams, Colwyn BID

2017

WIlma Sagoe, Ilford BID

Sarah Nelson, Mansfield BID

Jane Bastock, Winchester BID

Patrick Knight, Plymouth City Council

Mike Crane, Uxbridge BID

Diane Mansell, Soho Road BID

Nikki Rolls, Walsall Council

Gerry Barwick, Twickenham BID

Susan Shaw, Richmond Council

Mike Truelove, Hereford BID

Natalie Dickson, Nottingham BID

Daniel O'Neill, Acocks Green Village BID

Brian Albuquerque, Wandsworth Council

Marcia Greenwood, Northfield BID

Thomas Zane-Black, Your Bromley BID

Amy Sheppard, Winchester BID

Lorinda Freint, Wandsworth Council

Charlotte Wickins, Chichester BID

Tony Garrett, Bexleyheath BID

2016

Steve Sawyer, Manor Royal BID

Matthew John, Hammersmith London

Nic Durston, Southbank BID

Nicola Grant, Putney Town Centre

Alicia Mosquito, Westside BID

Will Dyson, WeAreWaterloo

Chris Travers, Orpington 1st

Rupert Basham, HammersmithLondon

2015

Jo Hawkins, Destination Bristol

Ross Feeney, Successful Sutton

Andrew Mitchell, Alloa BID

Tammy Sleet, Wimborne

2014

Ben Collins, Ilford BID

Rebecca Handley, Kingstonfirst

Lee Walker, Ipswich Central

Katie Lindsey, Baker Street Quarter

Andrew Cooper, Bath BID

Maris Puks, Waterloo Quarter

Alison Shaw, BID Leamington

Josyanne Thatcher, Cornwall Council

Alison Dewey, Southend BID

2013

Julie Thorneycroft, Northampton BID

Hasanul Hoque, Camden Town Unlimited

Frances Forrest, Vauxhall One

Ann Hunter, Ealing Broadway

BID Russell Downing, Newbury BID

Cherry Shine, Wolverhampton Council

Robin Hibbert, New West End Company

Catherine Turness, Winchester BID