Certificate in BID Management

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

• Background to BIDs
• The principles of establishing and managing a BID
• The BID ballot
• The challenges that BIDs face
• Your structured research report

Day 2 - BID regulations, Policy, Financial matters & BID governance

• Understanding the BID regulations
• National BID Criteria
• Technical guidance
• Governance structures
• Good governance principles
• Business plan essentials
• Role & responsibilities of Directors
• Financial controls in BIDs
• Cashflow principles

Day 3 - Research methodologies and data collection techniques

• Principles of research
• Collecting and analysing data
• Choosing your research topic

Day 4 - Marketing & communications in BIDs

• What is a brand and what do you want from it?
• Things to consider when preparing a marketing & communications plan for a BID
• The importance of marketing in a BID
• Preparing a marketing & communications plan for an event

Day 5 - Contract management & operations

• Roles & responsibilities
• Managing the BID operation
• Contract law and management
• Managing risk
• Managing expectations

Day 6 – Presentation skills - Research papers presentation tips, guidance & rehearsals

Advice and preparation on the presentation of the chosen research topic including;

• Considering and applying the core steps to being a good presenter
• Understanding and applying some top tips for delivering effective presentations to any audience
• Effective verbal and body language

Day 7 – Presentations day

• Presentation delivered to panel

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: Ben Collins

Day 7: Thursday 18th September 2025 (timings TBC)
Subject: Presentation day
Tutors: Chris Turner, Marc Myers, Claudio De Magalhaes

Please click here to view a selection of our previous graduate research papers, developed as part of their CiBM.

John-Jo Von Johnson, Colmore BID

“A Business Improvement District (BID) management course is valuable for anyone involved in revitalising and supporting local areas. It provides practical skills, stakeholder engagement, project planning, and financial management tailored to the unique needs of BIDs. By understanding how to run a BID effectively, participants can make a real impact on local economies, enhance public spaces, and drive community collaboration.” 

Suman Marygiri, Central District Alliance

"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."

Cyril Bekoe, Ilford BID

"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."

Rachel Dingsdale, South Bank BID

"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."

Nick Bishop, Bath BID

"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."

Julie Frost, Romford BID

“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."

Susan Shaw, Richmond Council

“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!”

Chris Travers, Your Bromley BID

“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.”