Towards a Stronger, More Unified Place Management Industry

ATCM and The BID Foundation Join Forces for Greater Impact and Influence

The Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) is delighted to announce that The BID Foundation (TBF) will transition to the ATCM, strengthening our collective voice and enhancing our ability to shape policy and placemaking across the UK and Ireland. This strategic move marks a significant step towards a more unified and effective place management sector.

ATCM and TBF have long shared a commitment to supporting Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and the broader place management community. Both organisations are not-for-profit and membership-led, with a history of collaboration that has benefited members and the industry at large. By formally bringing TBF into the ATCM, we are creating a stronger, more cohesive platform that can better serve its members and influence policy at a national level.

The ATCM welcomes TBF into its networks. Since championing the creation of BIDs and working on turning the pilots into legislation in 2004 and leading the UK BIDs Advisory Service, ATCM has played a pivotal role in supporting the sector. The addition of TBF builds on this legacy, ensuring that BID services sit alongside a robust offer for local authorities and other stakeholders invested in place management.

ATCM Chair, Lisa Carlson, and ATCM CEO, Ojay McDonald, celebrate 20 years of BIDs at last year's TBF conference in Birmingham.

This transition delivers tangible benefits for members. BID members of ATCM will gain access to TBF’s specialised services at no additional cost, and TBF members will now enjoy ATCM’s full suite of offerings. For those who were members of both organisations, this move streamlines membership and reduces costs while enhancing value.

Crucially, this consolidation comes at a pivotal moment. With political change on the horizon, local government reorganisation, ongoing devolution discussions, and pressing questions around local governance and investment, a unified and influential voice is essential. This move strengthens the dialogue between policymakers and place-makers, ensuring that the industry’s priorities are clearly heard. It also enhances collaboration with key partners such as British BIDs, the European BIDs Exchange, and the International Downtown Association, reinforcing the our leadership in place management on the global stage.

Together, ATCM and TBF are committed to shaping a thriving, sustainable, and resilient future for towns and cities across the UK. We look forward to working closely with our members, partners, and political stakeholders to drive meaningful change.

Stefan Gurney, Chair of The BID Foundation and CEO of Norwich BID

TBF Chair, Stefan Gurney said:

“This transition provides the BIDs industry with access to comprehensive services, enhanced resources, and a unified voice advocating for thriving town and city centres. While the challenge of investing in our town and city centres has become mission critical to get our economy moving, it is clear that the public sector cannot do this alone. For BIDs to step up as investment partners we need more unity, both across our sector and with other stakeholders engaged in place making and place management. Together, we can lead the way in revitalising our urban centres, supporting local businesses, and creating vibrant, inclusive spaces where people live, work and thrive."

Bringing ATCM and TBF together does not distract from ATCM’s core mission. In fact, it accelerates it. ATCM’s aspiration remains to create the strongest possible multi-sector collective of those leading on place-making and place management across the UK and Ireland, including local government, property interests, community and the private sector. This is only achievable with a strong BIDs voice within ATCM.

Lisa Carlson, Chair of ATCM and CEO of Canterbury BID

Lisa Carlson, Chair of the ATCM Board of Directors said:

"As we move forward with The BID Foundation joining the ATCM, we see a tremendous opportunity to amplify our impact and political influence. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate the importance of the placemaking industry in the growth of the UK Economy, and the ability of a multi-sector partnership to help tackle some of the key challenges we face such as employment and skills, investment, transport and climate change. By combining forces, we strengthen our ability to drive positive change, foster innovation, and empower communities across the urban landscape.”