I recently had the honour of being a Mentor for Sam Murray of the Manor Royal BID (Business Improvement District). Over the past four months, we’ve met regularly as she has studied for the national Certificate in BID Management.

This is the BID industry's only formal qualification and it is designed to reassure BID levy-payers that staff are in place with the appropriate skill set and can be considered industry leaders. It covers a range of operational areas including project management, marketing and BID regulations here in the UK.

As a place-marketing specialist, I found my experience in helping cities, regions and towns to create strong local economies helpful when guiding Sam, who was keen to identify and learn from best practice in the industry. Her dissertation was named “Can BIDs be the conduit between businesses and skills providers for better workforce talent?”

I am delighted to report that Sam successfully completed and passed the course - she was awarded her certificate in Cambridge at the Autumn at the national British BIDs Conference. #Proud!