Stephen Patterson of Newcastle NE1 to Lead New National Committee for UK BIDs

Stephen Patterson, CEO of the award-winning Newcastle NE1 Business Improvement District (BID) Company, has been appointed as the first Chair of the new national BID Steering Committee, part of the Association of Town and City Management, ATCM.

The Committee will be responsible for providing services to BIDs across the country including lobbying national Government, advocacy, working groups, professional development and peer support for BID staff. Stephen’s appointment and the creation of the new Steering Group is a huge milestone for the ATCM, providing one unified voice for the sector after the BID Foundation was brought within its remit last year.

Stephen brings over 18 years’ experience in the BIDs industry to the new role, and he was half of the two-man team that established NE1 in 2008. Internationally regarded as one of the most innovative and impactful BIDs, NE1 represents the interest of 1,400 city centre businesses, leading on place-based project delivery and lobbying at a local and national level.  

Commenting on his appointment to this new role, Stephen Patterson, CEO of NE1 and now, Chair of the new national BIDs Steering Group said: “I’m honoured to take on this new role and excited by the opportunities it offers for NE1, Newcastle and other UK cities represented by BIDs. This is a pivotal time for the industry, with significant opportunities to grow and deliver even better outcomes for the places and businesses we represent.

“Across the UK, the success of BIDs has been built on collaboration, bringing partners together around a shared vision, setting clear priorities and delivering measurable outcomes. It is our challenge to harness the combined passion, creativity and talent of those working in the sector, while setting a bold, ambitious direction for BIDs. I am determined to ensure that BIDs continue to be a powerful voice for positive change and progress at both a local and national level.

“Being the head of a national BIDs group alongside my role as CEO of NE1 will benefit Newcastle and its businesses by amplifying the voice of business’ and Business Improvement Districts across the UK.”

Ojay McDonald, CEO of the ACTM said: “I am delighted that Stephen will become Chair of the BIDs Steering Committee for UK and Ireland.

“The BIDs industry is still in its infancy. Yet, it has quickly become essential for high street stability amid the volatility of the past few years. For high streets to thrive, we need to support the next generation of BID leaders through peer to peer support, advocacy and professional development. Stephen's commitment to the industry, his knowledge of public policy and connections with BID leaders across the globe make him the perfect figurehead for the BIDs Steering Committee.

“I am really looking forward to working with Stephen over the next few years.”