The BID Foundation appoints Lisa Gibbs to support creation of a ‘single voice’ for the BID sector
Retail and BID consultant to work with TBF Executive on delivery of key representation and advice services to members
Former John Lewis Head of Store to speak with BIDs across the sector – in a critical period leading up the next UK general election
__
The BID Foundation has announced the appointment of Lisa Gibbs as advisor and consultant, adding expertise to the representative body for Business Improvement Districts as it works to deliver a single voice for the sector at a critical time for high streets.
Lisa Gibbs is a retail and BID consultant who has previously spent over 30 years within John Lewis Partnership, culminating in her overseeing the opening of its Birmingham store.
Since moving into the place sector, Lisa has advised a number of BIDs, helping them through ballot campaigns and advising on collaboration with the retail sector. Lisa begins working with The BID Foundation immediately, and joined members at the annual BID Summit event, part of the Institute of Place Management’s Good Growth conference.
Speaking about her appointment, Lisa Gibbs said:
“I’ve been aware for a long-time the hugely influential role of both The BID Foundation and the Institute of Place Management, so it’s exciting to be getting started in a support role, helping their brands and delivery continue to expand.”
“2023 and 2024 will hold a lot of change and opportunity for the BID sector, and individual BIDs remain challenged to support their levy payers while also being lynchpins of their local areas and communities.”
“My role will be to build The BID Foundation’s output and conversations with members, as well as to expand our membership, and I can’t wait to get started.”
The BID Foundation represents over 70 Business Improvement Districts and a multimillion pound placemaking investment across London and the regions. It is part of the Institute of Place Management, operating as a Community of Practice, and also Co-Chairing the High Streets Task Force’s Sector Leaders Group.
Recognising the key role of high street business and community in local regeneration and economic growth, The BID Foundation is building its capacity ahead of a key period for the sector. It will continue to engage on key policy and practice issues, advising its members and ensuring that BIDs are best placed to continue to deliver great outcomes for their places.
Nadia Broccardo, Co-Chair of The BID Foundation and Chief Executive of Team London Bridge, said:
"Lisa is joining The BID Foundation with the vision of providing a strong, single voice for BIDs. This means delivering of a policy platform for BIDs and place managers during the UK party conference season, and raising the profile of TBF, its members and their long-history of influence on vital and viable high streets."
"We identified the need to build our team and are targeting an expansion of membership over the next 12 months, which Lisa will be leading on."
"Our focus is BIDs. To continue to represent and serve our membership well means engaging with some critical issues over the next 12 months; devolution, high street revaluations, the cost of living and climate crisis and the increasingly competitive environment for capturing local spend."
Lisa will join initially on a 3-month delivery contract, working alongside the IPM executive team and the Co-Chairs of the BID Foundation.
__