Meet The Candidates

In 2013 I was made redundant and I stumbled across a vacancy at Colmore Business District.  What I thought would be an interesting role that would keep my CV up to date for a couple of years turned into a genuine passion for place making.  Over the last 13 years, I have developed an interest and understanding of how we, as practitioners, can make places better for all, through partnership, through innovation and a love of the places we care for.

In my time at Colmore Business District, now Birmingham Colmore, I have delivered projects across our wide range of workstreams, from marketing and events to place based security.  I have developed and grown strong partnerships with public and private sector bodies, both locally and nationally.  I have developed a broad policy background with a focus on both internal governance and external place-shaping policy, and I am now very proud to have recently taken on running Southside Business District as their BID Manager, alongside my duties at Birmingham Colmore, having delivered an exceptional ballot result in October 2025.  I’m excited to have the opportunity to shape part of the city centre that resonates with me.  It is an exciting, vibrant part of the city, but it needs to be better supported and to maximise its benefits.  I’m looking forward to delivering impactful interventions to drive Southside forward over the next five years.    

This industry has given me an unforgettable set of experiences, such as being part of the team to deliver Birmingham’s first ever light festival.  It has allowed me to shape and influence the development of the city I love, and now I would like to give something back.

 
BIDs can be a powerful tool to drive local growth.  For many towns and cities, their work is vital to the success of those places.  I am keen to help ATCM and The BID Foundation build a strong network of practitioners who can share knowledge and expertise with each other.  As more BIDs develop, new entrants should find a warm and engaging industry that is easy to navigate as they set up, and one that, like me, they feel they can give back to in the future.  As the industry has matured, I think it is key that we capture some of the lessons we have learned about governance, about delivery, and instil best practice across our industry to keep it strong and impactful.  As the model is currently going through a stage of evolution, I would like to be at the forefront of the thinking that sets out the new directions the BID model can take.

 
I’ve enjoyed spending the last 13 years helping to shape and drive forward my city.  Now, I’d like to do the same for the industry that has helped me to do this. 

I am applying for the role of National Representative as the current BID Manager for Falmouth BID, bringing over 20 years’ experience in strategic communications, business development and stakeholder engagement across the UK and Australia.

 

I came into the BID sector in spring 2025, after a career spent working with businesses, government bodies and industry organisations on brand development, sector programmes, events and strategic communications. That breadth of experience gives me a fresh, outward-facing perspective on what BIDs do, how they are perceived, and how the sector can evolve.

 

In previous roles I have led award-winning communications programmes, managed large-scale conferences and events, worked directly with government ministers and boards, and delivered sector-wide initiatives that required strong partnership working and clear commercial outcomes.

 

This background has shaped a leadership style that is collaborative, strategic and focused on delivery.

 

At Falmouth BID, I have applied this experience to a busy coastal town centre with over 400 levy payers. Working closely with a volunteer board and local partners, we have strengthened relationships, supported major festivals, expanded the Safe & Secure programme, and launched new marketing initiatives including Falmouth After 5 and Street Meets to drive footfall and dwell time.

 

We have also developed new digital platforms, supported businesses through rate changes, and introduced the Love Falmouth loyalty card to encourage local spend and repeat visits.

 

Coming into the sector relatively recently has allowed me to see both its strengths and its opportunities with fresh eyes. BIDs deliver an enormous amount of practical value, but the sector is operating in a rapidly changing economic and social environment. Businesses are under increasing cost pressure, town centres are evolving, and expectations of BIDs are growing.

 

I believe the next phase for the sector is about confidence, clarity and strategic positioning. BIDs need to be recognised not just as project delivery bodies, but as trusted place leaders and partners in economic development.

 

As a National Representative, I would bring an external perspective and focus on:

 

Helping the sector communicate its value more clearly to levy payers, partners and government

 

Supporting a more strategic, outcome-led approach to BID delivery

 

Encouraging collaboration and knowledge-sharing between BIDs of all sizes

 

Ensuring the voices of smaller, coastal and regional towns are heard alongside larger urban centres

 

My experience across different industries and countries means I am comfortable challenging assumptions, translating complex issues into clear messages, and working with diverse stakeholders to achieve practical results.

 

I would bring energy, strategic thinking and an independent perspective to the role, along with a strong commitment to representing the full breadth of the BID sector as it continues to evolve.

I have been the Winchester BID Manager for over 7 years now.  I am responsible for relationship management, projects and operations in the city.  We are one of the longest running BIDs on the South Coast since becoming established in 2008.  We are a small city with a high concentration of small businesses.  We have 711 businesses with over 900 hereditaments. We are currently in our 4th term and preparing for our renewal ballot in 2027.

 

We are a small team of 3 FTEs and I work full time.  I deputise for the Executive Director, support all of my colleagues and help to create the Winchester BID strategy. 

 

As a BID we are members of British BIDs, NABCP and ATCM and Chair the South of England BIDs group, sit on the South Bank Employers Group and are part of the accreditation panel for the NABCP.

 

I personally hold a Certificate in BID Management and a Diploma in BID Leadership as well as the IOSH qualification in Managing Safety in Exhibitions and Events.

 

I am responsive, confident and keen to engage with members.  You can view my projects on our You Tube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYclrmFyqALfQG_KZdKnB0Q

 

I am particularly proud of the work I have done to increase the engagement over the years.  I grew Winchester Fashion Week from 17 events to over 100 and have steered Winchester Green Week since its inception.  This year I am introducing Winchester Health & Wellbeing Week to ensure we engage with a wider audience.

 

I organise and host the Winchester Business Excellence Awards and Christmas in Winchester. 

 

My background is in professional services and the tourism industry.  I have been a charity trustee for 2 local organisations and continue to support the work they do. I have a strong sense of place and have brought this to Winchester through the development of festivals and events as well as the continuous improvement of the street scene and public realm.

 

I chair the Festivals in Winchester group and the independent businesses group (of which we have over 200) and regularly meet with the Local Authority as part of the Winchester Town Forum. 

 

With devolution and local government reorganisation, I see an opportunity for BIDs to become even more important and relevant.  I envisage BIDs working collaboratively to share opportunities, ideas and initiatives.  We need to protect, nurture and celebrate our places as well as supporting the businesses within - to become local champions for towns and cities.  I have already built relationships with mayoral candidates and engaged with them to show the power of BIDs.  I regularly meet with MP’s and business groups to explain the importance of BIDs and the difference we make.

 

 

I feel that I am in a position to advise and help other BIDs on their journey.  In Winchester we believe in transparency and responding to our members requests.  I deal with issues head on and am excited about the opportunity to share my knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

I am the Chief Executive of Southport BID, a position I have enjoyed holding since January 2021.

 

I am applying to be considered for one of the positions as a representative of English BIDs on the new BIDs Steering Committee. I am applying because I believe the BID movement is at a key stage of development. We have proven ourselves to be effective organisations in both place shaping and also in place development. We have earned our stripes individually. Now we need greater collective presence and visible action on behalf of our business communities.. 

 

Our value and our voice are not always recognised or heard beyond our individual localities. The creation of the new Steering Committee should enable us to create a strong voice for the BID movement in the context of the UK as a whole. This gives an opportunity for us to influence government and government departments about strengthening our local economies and suggesting ways in which those economies can grow with the right form of government support.

 

I have a background and understanding of retailing. I also learned a huge amount as a Regional Director of Business in the Community. I also set up from scratch a new business-led charity in Liverpool.

 

I joined Southport BID because I wanted to help the town where I live to become a better place to live, work and also to raise my children in a beautiful physical environment but in a challenging macro and micro economic climate. The challenging economic environment has been made worse by Covid and by widespread changes to consumer shopping behaviours, as is true in all our BID areas.

 

However, Southport’s visitor economy was badly impacted by the tragic events of July 2024. Southport BID was at the very centre of the recovery – organising the vigil 24 hours after, setting the strategy for Southport still being open to locals and visitors alike and then organising a programme of events to reprofile the town, all whilst being sensitive to the tragic circumstances. This was possible because of the relationships forged in the town but also because of the speed with which we could plan and act.

 

Whilst the town has bounced back, reputation and image unfortunately take longer to rebuild. If I am elected to the Steering Committee, it would help cement the message that Southport is back.

 

I am known to be passionate about the work of Southport BID. I wish to apply the same energy and commitment to help create the right impression of BIDs collectively. In other words, leveraging the fact that BIDs are passionate about their places and that they are here for the long haul, not just for a quick fix.

 

 

If elected, I will offer fresh perspectives, determination, commitment and a “can-do, will do” attitude to what we agree needs to be done.   

I am proud to put myself forward as England Representative on the National BID Steering Committee at a time when Business Improvement Districts are playing an increasingly critical role in shaping the future of our town and city centres.

As Director of Romford BID, I have led with a clear focus on partnership, resilience and safety. Romford is one of London’s most dynamic and complex town centres, and our success has been built on strong, collaborative relationships. I have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police, the local authority, community safety teams, businesses, landowners and regional stakeholders to create a unified approach to tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental challenges. Through structured partnership forums, intelligence sharing, joint operations and proactive business engagement, we have strengthened confidence among levy payers and improved the day-to-day experience of trading in Romford.

Town centre safety and security has been a defining priority of my leadership. We have championed visible partnership initiatives, enhanced communication channels for businesses, and supported practical interventions that address both immediate issues and long-term perceptions of safety. By aligning BID investment with statutory services and strategic priorities, we have ensured that our levy is used as a catalyst for wider impact, rather than as a substitute for core provision. This collaborative model has reinforced Romford BID’s reputation as a trusted, solutions-focused organisation.

Beyond operational delivery, I am passionate about the evolution of the BID model. BIDs must continue to demonstrate accountability, innovation and measurable value. As England Representative, I would advocate for stronger knowledge-sharing between BIDs of different sizes and contexts, ensuring that best practice in governance, partnership working and performance measurement is accessible across the network. I believe the National Steering Committee has a key role in strengthening the collective voice of BIDs, influencing policy, and ensuring that we remain agile in response to economic, social and legislative change.

My experience leading a BID in a high-profile, high-footfall town centre has equipped me with both strategic insight and practical understanding. I understand the pressures facing levy payers, the importance of transparent governance, and the necessity of collaborative leadership. Most importantly, I am committed to representing the interests of English BIDs with integrity, professionalism and a strong belief in the power of partnership.

 

I would be honoured to contribute my experience and perspective to the National BID Steering Committee and to support the continued growth, credibility and impact of the BID sector across England.

Keenly motivated to shape the evolution of BIDs, I am committed to winning your attention to offer my support to the BIDs Steering Committee.

 

I have 16 years’ passionate experience of BIDs, place management, placemaking and Protected Landscapes, including the management of landscape-scale projects of up to eight hundred square miles, an enhanced understanding of wider business needs in coastal, urban and rural locations, and worked across regional and national advisory panels and committees.

 

Currently Chief Executive of the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, I am purpose-led, positive and resilient, working with integrity, high energy, dedication and warmth. My values are accountability, collaboration, compassion and kindness and I am committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. With a growth mindset, I believe leadership is service and I strive to create collaborative, energetic and trusted partnerships to excel in delivery.

 

I have experience of engaging with statutory organisations including Defra, Natural England, The Environment Agency, The Forestry Commission, Historic England, the National Landscapes Association, Marine Management Organisation, the Institute of Place Management, British BIDs, the ATCM and the BIDs Foundation. Project work has included early stage planning for a hydrogen plant and Freeport for South Devon, the creation and implementation of Neighbourhood Plans, strategic development plans and community consultations.

 

With ten years of strategic and operational management for the Plymouth Waterfront BID, I have a track record of positive engagement with its key stakeholders, and I was Vice Chair of the South West BIDs Group.

 

Experienced with Boards, Committees and Advisory Panels, including: Tamar Landscape National Landscape Partnership, Tamara Landscape Partnership (Chair), Farming in Protected Landscapes Steering Group, Devon and Somerset Coastal Productivity Plan Delivery Group, Urban Renewal Panel for Coastal and Rural Communities, Devon Place Board, Sustainable Place Management Advisor to the High Streets Task Force, Vice Chair of the South West BIDs group (2019 and 2020); Forestry Commission SW Advisory Committee; Plan for Plastics Taskforce,  Mayflower 400 Public Realm & Trails Panel, Coastal Communities Team, RSPCA Trustee (Plymouth). Also Cabinets for South Hams District Council, West Devon Borough Council and Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Waterfront Partnership Board, Destination Plymouth Board, Plymouth City Centre Company Board, Devon Chamber and BID Boards.

 

My full CV is available via my LinkedIn profile: (11) Sarah Gibson MIPM | LinkedIn

 

I believe that BIDs are extremely effective in their current capacity, though must evolve to achieve more for their communities, supporting Place, PeopIe, Climate and Nature.

 

I would be delighted to meet with you to discuss the BIDs Steering Committee and how I may support your ambitions.

 

 

Thank you for considering my application, I am very much looking forward to hearing from you.

I have been Chief Executive for Bath Business Improvement District for 8 years. Prior to that, I have had several different roles and project responsibilities within local authorities at County, District and Unitary levels primarily within regeneration teams. I have also worked independently on events and markets and created an online platform for selling local goods.

 

In all my roles, I have been able to develop a good understanding of effective place management and its impact on different stakeholders.

 

At Bath BID, I have overseen two successful ballots and led a period of sustained growth in our activity and impact.  Bath BID has built on its reputation as a reliable service delivery organisation to become a strategic partner at the heart of the success of our city. This has included developing new insight models, launching an award-winning Safe Bus, establishing a team of 40 Welcome Volunteers after the loss of our Tourist Information Centre and creating events and campaigns to strengthen connections and boost commerce in the city.

 

Business Improvement Districts represent a powerful and influential force in place management which I feel privileged to be part of.  I would welcome the opportunity to play a part in developing BID‑specific services within ATCM and The BID Foundation.  BIDs are a brilliant example of member-led organisations in their own right and they deserve an effective membership organisation to bring them together. We are all experts in the fields of internal operations and governance and are demonstrating best practice and innovation across areas such as economic resilience, stewardship of the public realm, partnership development and place identity.  As an industry, our collective knowledge is extensive and impressive. I am therefore committed to supporting knowledge‑sharing across the BID industry and helping BIDs learn from each other. I believe that I can make an excellent contribution to a reliable and relevant support programme which facilitates peer-to-peer support, champions good governance and identifies opportunities for innovation.

In light of recent changes within The BID Foundation, it is important to have a Steering Committee that protects member‑led, strategic services and responds to the diverse needs and ambitions of BIDs. As the national BID landscape evolves, we need a dedicated group from within the ATCM to champion the excellence and innovation across the sector.

 

 

I would be honoured to participate in the development of a robust, future‑focused programme of BID support through the Steering Committee.

Currently Director of Operations for Bristol BID, one of the newest and largest Business Improvement Districts in the country, I was previously Director of Broadmead BID, one of the oldest (formed in 2005) and completely retail focused.

 

I led Broadmead BID’s successful fifth term ballot in 2023 and in 2024/2025 played a key role in the decision-making process that led to a July 2025 ballot to determine whether we would unite and expand Bristol City Centre BID, Broadmead BID, and Redcliffe & Temple BID. Bristol BID’s first term commenced on 1 November 2025 and will run until 31 October 2030.

 

Broadmead BID worked on behalf of 270 businesses, almost a third being independents. Our rateable value threshold was £13,000 and our levy 3% of rateable value (as per the Bristol BID business plan, businesses within the former Broadmead BID area will continue to be billed on this basis until the end of our fifth term on 31 October 2028).

 

Bristol BID represents over 1,000 businesses across approximately 1,400 hereditaments and a wide variety of sectors including education, professional services, and digi-tech as well as retail, hospitality, and leisure. The rateable value threshold is £30,000 and the levy is 1.9% of rateable value.

 

I first joined Broadmead BID in January 2015, as an unusually old intern, having taken 28 gap years before going to university. I had graduated the previous summer with a first-class honours degree in Media Culture & Practice. To this day, I am still thrilled when something comes up in my job, as it regularly does, that makes me think “I studied this in my urban culture & modernity module”!

 

My first project was to establish whether social media could be used to promote Bristol Shopping Quarter, which comprised Broadmead BID plus Hammerson’s Cabot Circus shopping centre (which is now part of Bristol BID) – let’s just say that was a no brainer!

 

Following my six-month internship, I became Broadmead BID’s marketing executive and in October 2021moved into the role of leading the BID team. Today, as Director of Operations for Bristol BID, I oversee projects within our Safe & Supported Communities and Clean & Welcoming themes and represent Bristol BID in The BID Foundation’s Safe & Secure Working Group.

 

 

I believe my 11 years’ experience working in BIDs at either end of the size spectrum, plus having taken part of the process of uniting and expanding three BIDs, making sure all businesses and organisations continue to feel listened to and supported, make me a strong candidate to be one of the three England Representatives on ATCM’s BIDs Steering Committee and I appreciate you considering my application.

I am applying for the role of one of the England representatives on the BIDs Steering Committee because I am deeply committed to the place management and BID sector, and I want to play an active role in shaping its future direction, standards and impact.

 

I have worked in the BID industry for eight years, progressing from a Marketing Assistant role to my current position as Chief Executive. This journey has given me a comprehensive understanding of BIDs from the ground up. I have worked hands-on in operational delivery, marketing, stakeholder engagement and event management, and now lead strategically at a senior level. This breadth of experience allows me to understand both the day-to-day realities BIDs face and the long-term strategic decisions required to ensure resilience, relevance and value.

 

In my current role, I am highly regarded within the local business community and wider partnership landscape as a key stakeholder for strategic conversations about the future of the city. I regularly work alongside senior leaders from local authorities, cultural organisations, education and the private sector, ensuring that the BID voice is well-represented and influential. I am an active member of the Chelmsford Cultural Compact and am currently helping to lead the development of a ten-year cultural strategy for the city, working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders to deliver long-term place-based outcomes.

 

As a BID, our strengths lie in visibility, storytelling and engagement. We are at the forefront of city events, marketing and digital communications, with a strong reputation for high-quality video content and social media presence. This has allowed us to champion our place, support local businesses and shape positive perceptions of the city. I believe these strengths are increasingly important for the BID sector as we respond to changing town centre dynamics and rising expectations around engagement and impact.

 

Alongside my professional role, I am currently studying for a MSc in Place Management & Leadership at Manchester Metropolitan University. This is strengthening my academic and strategic understanding of place leadership, governance and policy, and allowing me to bring evidence-based thinking into my work and wider sector discussions.

 

I am passionate about the place management industry and believe the BIDs Steering Committee is a vital mechanism for peer-led support, innovation and alignment with ATCM’s broader strategy. If elected, I would bring a collaborative, informed and practical approach, helping to identify opportunities for BID evolution, support best practice and ensure BID services remain transparent, member-led and impactful.