Following research into the sector, it became clear that as the industry expanded, BIDs required a not-for-profit organisation to represent and support their needs. As a result, in 2017, The BID Foundation created by BIDs, for BIDs.

The Institute of Place Management (IPM) was appointed, to host and assist with the initial development of this new body. Since then, TBF has grown and become a key body for peer-to-peer support and establishing standards for the industry.

In 2025, following years of close partnership working, responsibility for TBF was transferred to ATCM. This means that TBF membership now extends across the UK and Ireland. There are also plans to expand BID specific services leveraging the network TBF brings to ATCM.

Workstreams added to ATCM in 2025, as a result of the unification with TBF include the following working groups:
 

• Arts, Marketing, and Inward Investment

• Net Zero and Environmental Sustainability

• Public Realm

• Safe and Secure

Further change is happening. Not only is ATCM developing a new BIDs Steering Committee to oversee the evolution of these working groups, but ATCM is also working with partners both domestic and international to understand the future of professional development and standards for the BIDs industry.

To ensure this offer works for all, we have also changed our pricing model so the smallest BIDs can benefit from this new offer. BIDs in the UK, with an annual levy of £200,000 or less can join for just £325 (+VAT). For more information on pricing, visit the ‘Join Us’ page.