New Network for Business Improvement District Leaders to Launch Across UK and Ireland

A new online platform designed to connect Business Improvement District (BID) professionals across the UK and Ireland is set to launch later this month.

The platform, called My BID, is being developed by Triovia, a digital agency based in Coleraine, and aims to create a dedicated network for the people responsible for managing and developing town and city centres.

The initiative is being led by a group of business leaders with direct experience of Business Improvement Districts, including individuals who have previously held leadership, management and board-level positions within BID organisations.

According to the development team, the platform has been created to address a gap within the sector by providing a central hub where BID professionals can access industry news, practical resources, peer support and emerging technologies.

A key feature of the platform will be a dedicated BID news service, bringing together stories, project updates, ballot results, appointments, events and sector developments from Business Improvement Districts throughout the UK and Ireland.

The aim is to provide BID teams with a single location to stay informed about developments across the industry, removing the need to monitor dozens of individual websites, newsletters and social media channels.

Alongside the news service, the platform will feature a secure members-only portal exclusively for BID professionals.

Access will be available to BID Chief Executives, BID Managers, BID Assistants, Marketing and Communications Officers, Operations Managers, Board Directors and other approved industry professionals.

The private network will allow members to connect with colleagues from other towns and cities, seek advice, share ideas, discuss challenges, exchange resources and collaborate on projects.

The platform will also include operational templates, case studies, supplier recommendations, training resources, discussion forums and practical guidance covering areas such as town centre marketing, events, business engagement, governance and levy payer communications.

A significant focus will be placed on artificial intelligence, with members gaining access to AI workflows, automation examples and practical tools designed specifically for Business Improvement District operations.

The developers say the intention is to help BID teams make better use of technology to improve efficiency, streamline communications and reduce administrative workloads.

Triovia brings considerable BID experience to the project, having worked alongside Coleraine Business Improvement District (CBID), now known as Coleraine Connect, for almost six years.

During that time, the company helped deliver digital marketing, communications, business engagement and event support that contributed to the BID securing a successful renewal ballot for its second term.

The agency developed and managed CBID's digital marketing strategy across social media, email marketing, content creation and advertising, helping grow online audiences to more than 10,700 followers and almost 5,000 email subscribers.

Its work also included the development of a secure digital member hub, management of the BID's website, production of photography and video content, support for major town centre events and the delivery of digital skills training for local businesses.

Among the projects delivered were one of the UK's first BID-led Christmas radio stations, a permanent town centre audio platform, award-winning printed publications, online ticketing systems and large-scale promotional campaigns that helped raise the profile of Coleraine across Northern Ireland.

The company also played a key role in communications and promotion surrounding major initiatives, including Hannah Scott's Olympic homecoming celebrations and the digital campaign that helped Coleraine secure the prestigious High Street of the Year title in 2022.

The experience gained through working closely with BID teams has helped shape the development of My BID and its focus on collaboration, innovation and knowledge sharing.

Invitations to join the network are expected to begin rolling out from 22 June 2026, with Business Improvement Districts throughout the UK and Ireland receiving information on how eligible team members can gain access.

The founders hope My BID will become a central resource for the sector, creating opportunities for BID leaders to learn from one another, share best practice and collaborate on the challenges and opportunities facing town and city centres across the UK and Ireland.