Leading the BID industry
Leading the BID industry
What is the course?
The Certificate in BID Management training course provides future and current BID managers with a comprehensive toolkit, enabling them to manage a BID efficiently and effectively.
After completing the CiBM, you will be able to:
Each session runs for 2.5 hours, from 10:30am until 1:00pm. All sessions will run virtually via Zoom.
Bookings have now closed for Class 1. Check out Class 2 dates below!
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 170 students from across 100 locations have undertaken the Certificate to date.
Day 1 - Induction & Principles of BIDs
Day 2 - BID regulations, Policy, Financial matters & BID governance
Day 3 - Research methodologies and data collection techniques
Day 4 - Marketing & communications in BIDs
Day 5 - Contract management & operations
Day 6 – Presentation skills - Research papers presentation tips, guidance & rehearsals
Advice and preparation on the presentation of the chosen research topic including;
Day 7 – Presentations day
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 25th June 2025
Subject: Induction & principles of BIDs
Tutor: Chris Turner
Day 2: Thursday 26th June 2025
Subject: BID regulations, policy, BID governance & financial matters
Tutor: Chris Turner
Day 3: Wednesday 9th July 2025
Subject: Research methodologies and data collection techniques
Tutor: Chris Turner
Day 4: Thursday 10th July 2025
Subject: Marketing & communications in BIDs
Tutor: Fiona Wright
Day 5: Thursday 17th July 2025
Subject: Contract management & operations
Tutor: Steve Sawyer
Day 6: Thursday 11th September 2025
Subject: Presentation skills - research papers presentation tips, guidance & rehearsals
Tutor: Sam Good
Day 7: Thursday 18th September 2025 (timings TBC)
Subject: Presentation day
Tutors: Chris Turner, Marc Myers, Claudio De Magalhaes
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
“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."
“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!”
“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.”
Jo McGowan, Hello Dorking
Jo is a passionate supporter of local businesses and has a diverse and experienced background, from being a family events coordinator to running a local business hub in Guildford. A natural networker and strategic thinker, Jo is excited to share her skills with Dorking as the BID Manager, focusing on strengthening their business community's growth and adaptability. In just 4 months Jo has organised the large-scale Christmas Festival and is busy working with the BID on Fresh Start Feb, Wedding Week, Surrey Day/VE Day celebrations and other initiatives to highlight that Dorking is the place to say Hello to in 2025.
Stuart Grainger, Coventry BID
Stuart is the Security Manager at Coventry BID, with 27 years of diverse experience in security, emergency response and customer service. Stuart brings a wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to any role. His career spans key sectors including HM Prison Service, retail security management, the hospitality industry and frontline volunteering as a First Responder with West Midlands Ambulance Service.
John-Jo Von Johnson, Colmore BID
John-Jo is the Community Operations Manager at Colmore BID and has been with the BID since May 2016.
He manages the Community Operations team which consists of five security officers, one Community Liaison Executive and a cleaner. The team’s main role in the District is keeping the businesses, staff and public safe and sound. The team works closely with local partners such as West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. The Community Operations team are part of the Safe and Sound Working Group.
One of John-Jo’s achievements while working at the BID is acting as an Advisor of the Local Partnership Deliver Group, which has enabled John-Jo to work more closely with local partners across the City Centre. He also sits on the ‘Change into Action’ charity panel.
Heather Woodhouse, Colmore BID
With over eight years of experience in PR and communications, Heather specialises in relationship building, stakeholder engagement, corporate communications, social media management, and crisis communications.
Heather joined Colmore BID in 2024 as Communications Manager to support the delivery of the BID4 Business Plan, working closely with businesses, including SMEs, to foster engagement and collaboration. Passionate about place-based campaigns, Heather is driven by a desire to align local initiatives with the broader city vision, creating lasting impact and helping shape vibrant, thriving communities.
Kelsey Dwyer, Partnerships & Events Manager – Colmore BID
Kelsey is the Partnerships & Events Manager at Colmore BID, where she has worked for 3 years. Kelsey is responsible for the planning of Colmore BIDs event programme including the multiple award winning Colmore Food Festival.
As well as managing a range of different events Kelsey also leads on Social Impact projects, extending her support beyond the Colmore BID boundary supporting their neighbours. She has launched a wellbeing programme in the local school for children from the most deprived households, as well as supporting deprived areas with several different projects to feed families, open new opportunities, create career aspirations and to open the district doors to a new and diverse audience.
Aaron Corsi, Stratford upon Avon BID
Aaron is a person who thrives on positivity, making the most of what life has and strives to empower others to share the responsibility for making our places better. Known for his enthusiasm and friendly demeanour, Aaron is passionate about community engagement and improving local business environments.
Since taking over as BID Manager in late 2024, Aaron has switched on the Christmas lights and hosted in person business networking to try and understand how the businesses are feeling since the ballot in early 2024. He is busy working on creating a ranger scheme in town to deal with the perceived ASB and retail crime, while organising the business support events as part of Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebrations, the Festival of Motoring, Food festival and looking at how to switch on the Christmas lights in a different way this year.
Aaron loves to support his local community by organising and modelling in charity fashion shows and can usually be seen walking around the BID area with his faithful Golden Labrador, Rufus!
Svanitha Barlow, Positively Putney BID
Svanitha serves as the Business Engagement Manager at Positively Putney BID, where she has already made contributions, including the successful implementation of the Prefer Putney digital card. Her focus lies in fostering collaborative relationships with local businesses and supporting successful events run by the BID. As the BID prepares for its ballot in 2027, Svanitha is eager to further strengthen her knowledge and understanding of BID management, ensuring she can continue to make a positive impact in her role.
Svanitha brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic perspective to the BID management sector. With a career spanning over a decade, she has excelled in roles such as advertising sales, public relations, and event management across international markets, working with globally recognised brands like Cosmopolitan Malaysia, Singapore Airlines, Classic FM, and Time Inc. UK.
In addition to her professional achievements, Svanitha is deeply involved in her local community. She has taken on leadership roles as PTA Chair, Parent Governor, and volunteer coordinator for a local charity, where she demonstrated exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement, project management, and strategic planning. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to earn a Diplôme de Pâtisserie at Le Cordon Bleu, further showcasing her diverse talents.
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
