Hero Image

Certificate in BID Marketing

Elevate your marketing expertise with the British BIDs Certificate in BID Marketing course.

This comprehensive programme is designed specifically for BID professionals, offering in-depth training on essential marketing strategies and tools. Gain practical knowledge to attract visitors, engage local businesses and enhance community vibrancy. With expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and real-world case studies, you'll develop the skills to drive impactful marketing campaigns. Join a network of like-minded professionals and take your BID's marketing initiatives to the next level.

All sessions will run virtually via Zoom.

Our 2025 class dates are now available - check them out below!

Session 1: Marketing 101 

Unlock the secrets of successful marketing with our specialised "Marketing 101" short course! Perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge, this course offers a solid foundation in marketing principles tailored specifically for Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Whether you're part of a small or large team, and regardless of your budget, there are always effective strategies to implement.

This practical, and down to earth session will equip you with essential marketing skills to attract visitors, engage local businesses, and enhance community vibrancy. Learn to build strategies for understanding your target audience, create compelling messages, and leverage various channels to reach them effectively.

Tutor - Simon Edward

Session 2: Good writing and communications

This session will take participants through the essential items of good writing and communication. It will cover:

  • How to write for your audience 
  • How to find your central point 
  • How to structure your writing to tell a story
  • How to make your writing more persuasive (with reason, emotion, and character) 
  • How to write clearly and effectively, avoiding jargon

Tutor - Philip Collins

Session 3: Round Table BID Marketing Discussion 

An exclusive marketing round table, designed specifically for BID marketing professionals. As part of our comprehensive "British BIDs Certificate in Marketing" course, this interactive session offers a unique platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and collaborate on effective strategies with fellow BID marketers and industry experts.

Deliberately scheduled for the middle of the course, this round table is your opportunity to bring your questions, challenges, and opportunities to the table. Hear and learn from others, build clarity, and set your plans in motion.

Dive into discussions that tackle real-world challenges, discover innovative solutions, and gain valuable insights to elevate your district's marketing initiatives. 

Tutor - Simon Edward

Session 4: Social media strategies and copywriting

An interactive session covering copywriting: sounding like a human (even in corporate environments), social media strategy (what can you talk about, how can you talk about it?), impactful ideas and a basic process for coming up with and testing them. As well as grabbing attention in the social media world, landing your message, getting the most out of every channel and pushing the boundaries to make an impact.

Tutor - John Thornton

Session 5: Reflections, Questions and Closing Round Table

A final round table to reflect on the learnings, hoover up the side discussions which have arisen and take questions.

Tutor - Simon Edward

Simon Edward

Simon is the Former Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at IBM, and a BID Board Director. Simon is an Advisor to several marketing professional bodies, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Chartered Marketer. 

 
Philip Collins

Philip is the Writer-in-Chief at The Draft, an agency which has written for many corporate and political leaders. He is columnist on many national newspapers and was the Chief Speech Writer to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, between 2003 and 2007.

 
John Thornton 

John is the Senior Creative at SURREAL and former Social Media and Copywriter at Innocent Drinks.

Session 1: Marketing 101
Tuesday 4th March 2025, 10am - 1pm

Session 2: Good writing and communications
Tuesday 11th March 2025, 10am - 12pm

Session 3: Round Table BID Marketing Discussion
Tuesday 18th March 2025, 10am - 1pm

Session 4: Social media strategies and copywriting
Tuesday 25th March 2025, 10am - 12pm

Session 5: Reflections, Questions and Closing Round Table
Tuesday 1st April 2025, 10am - 12pm

Session 1: Marketing 101
Thursday 4th September 2025, 10am - 1pm

Session 2: Good writing and communications
Thursday 11th September 2025, 10am - 12pm

Session 3: Round Table BID Marketing Discussion
Wednesday 17th September 2025, 10am - 1pm

Session 4: Social media strategies and copywriting
Thursday 25th September 2025, 10am - 12pm

Session 5: Reflections, Questions and Closing Round Table
Wednesday 1st October 2025, 10am - 12pm

The cost of the course is £1,500 for Bb members, including their 25% discount. For non-members, please get in touch.

2024

Lois Churcher, BID Leicester

Rachael Aldridge, Central District Alliance

Ryan Mitchell, Chelmsford For You

Kate Keene, Coventry BID

Joanna Breuer, Fulham Broadway BID

Stephanie Vlamis, Huddersfield BID

Cyril Bekoe, Ilford BID

Melissa Hanley, One Maidstone BID

Rifat Khan, Slough Town Centre BID

Elaine Weir, Westside BID

Luisa Huggins, Westside BID

Suzy Dierckx, Winchester BID