Stephen Patterson (Newcastle NE1) to Lead New BIDs Steering Committee

Nicole Gordon, Better Bankside, to join as Vice-Chair

ATCM is delighted to announce that Newcastle NE1 CEO, Stephen Patterson, will become Chair of the new BIDs Steering Committee at ATCM. He will be joined by Better Bankside CEO, Nicole Gordon, who will become Vice-Chair of the Committee.

The Committee will be responsible for the provision of BID specific services under ATCM. This includes the Working Groups (which provide peer-to-peer support), BID advocacy and professional development.

This is a huge milestone for ATCM as it continues to build its capacity for supporting BIDs following The BID Foundation's transition under its umbrella last year.

Ojay McDonald, CEO of ATCM said:

"The myriad of local economic challenges across the UK and Ireland emphasises the importance of the BID model in providing democratic, private sector-led investment and delivery. The model can only reach its potential with strong leadership to help provide guidance. Because of this, I'm delighted Stephen and Nicole will pick up the baton to lead our new BIDs Steering Committee. Their experience, international connections, and commitment to professional development are exactly what this role requires. We could not be happier with the outcome."

Stephen Patterson, CEO, Newcastle NE1

Stephen Patterson said:

“This is a pivotal time for BIDs, with significant opportunities to grow and deliver even better outcomes for the businesses and places we represent.

Across the UK, the success of BIDs has been built on collaboration, bringing partners together around a shared vision, setting clear priorities and delivering measurable outcomes.

It is our challenge to harness the combined passion, creativity and talent of those working in the sector, while setting a bold, ambitious direction for BIDs.

I am determined to ensure that BIDs continue to be a powerful voice for positive change and progress at both a local and national level.”

Nicole Gordon, CEO, Better Bankside

Nicole Gordon said:

“I care deeply about the future of our industry and I’m excited about playing a role in advancing it. A lot has changed in the twenty plus years since BIDs were first established in the UK and it is time to explore new ways of working that will continue to transform city districts and place management organisations. I look forward to applying vision, energy and determination to generate new thinking and evolve the BID model.”

The path to the creation of a new BIDs Steering Committee was paved by Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich BID and outgoing Chair of The BID Foundation. And before Stefan, both Nadia Broccardo, CEO of Team London Bridge, and Michele Wilby, CEO of Birmingham Colmore, played an instrumental role in The BID Foundation's transition to ATCM.

Lisa Carlson, CEO of Canterbury BID and Chair of the ATCM Board of Directors said:

“On behalf of the ATCM board, I want to extend my sincere thanks to Stefan, Nadia and Millie for their exceptional leadership, dedication and strategic guidance throughout the transition and integration of The BID Foundation into the ATCM. Their commitment to strengthening the BID sector has been invaluable - grounded in collaboration, professionalism and an unwavering focus on what’s best for places and the people who shape them. As we take this next step in the integration of the TBF with the ATCM, we are deeply grateful for the time, energy and care they have invested in ensuring this transition positions our industry for a stronger future.”

Over the next couple of months, meetings will take place as part of a transfer of responsibilities from Stefan to Stephen and Nicole to formalise their new roles. In the meantime, an announcement will follow regarding the positions of the national representatives for England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.