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About us

The Central District Alliance roundel is made up of two equal halves – our C of Central and D of District – representing the two sides to our area, one in Camden and one in Islington.

Previously known as Midtown BID, Central District Alliance is the new name for the Business Improvement District (BID) for Holborn and Clerkenwell. It is a partnership between our members, local authorities and the third sector.

Central District Alliance prides itself in working in partnership with our members, our community, Camden Council and Islington Council, Transport for London (TfL) and the third sector. As a facilitator, custodian, ambassador and champion, above all we strive to be collaborative and inclusive.

What is a BID

Central District Alliance is the Business Improvement District for Holborn and Clerkenwell.

BIDs are an exciting way to manage business communities. They are becoming more prevalent in London as they help to attract and retain businesses in the area. Central District Alliance is one of the largest and most successful BIDs in the country.

We represent 400 businesses with the aim of making Central District Alliance the destination of choice for business.

Following our successful re-ballot which concluded at the end of February 2020, Central District Alliance BID was delighted to have received a strong YES from its district businesses to continue to a fourth term for Holborn, Bloomsbury and St Giles; and a second term for Farringdon and Clerkenwell.

Our Vision

We believe that by working together, we can make this area truly diverse and vibrant.

Our vision is to ensure central London has every opportunity to thrive and prosper throughout this pandemic and beyond. We want to inspire a sense of pride and discovery in our local area, connecting people, and realising the full potential of this diverse part of London. We work collaboratively with our businesses to support the local communities in which we work. 

Our Values

Progressive

We ignite positive change and move things forward; we innovate and aren't afraid to challenge the status quo and think differently if it delivers the best results for our members and the wider community.

Inspirational

We’re aspirational, and inspire discovery and participation; we celebrate the diversity of our members and our local area and all of the benefits that it brings to this part of London.

Inclusive

We’re facilitators; we create meaningful connections between individuals, businesses, and places, and support our members and other stakeholders to work together to achieve their shared goals.

Governance

The Central District Alliance Business Improvement District is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee.

The Central District Alliance Business Improvement District is led by a Board of Directors made up of representatives from across sectors within the BID area and a small Executive Team.

About Us

Meet the Team

Debbie Akehurst
Chief Executive Officer
E: Debbie@centraldistrictalliance.com
Gordon Brockie
Chief Operating Officer
E: Gordon@centraldistrictalliance.com
Marcos Gold
BID Director
E: Marcos@centraldistrictalliance.com
Nicky Bond
Head of Marketing and Events
E: Nicky@centraldistrictalliance.com
Anjali Batra
Business Engagement Manager
E: Anjali@centraldistrictalliance.com
Wayne Lewis
ESG Project Manager
E: Wayne@centraldistrictalliance.com
Lucy Minyo
Public Realm Lead
E: Lucy@centraldistrictalliance.com
Katarina Hunt
Executive Assistant
E: Katarina@centraldistrictalliance.com

The Board

Alexander Jan
Chair
Susan Freeman
Mishcon de Reya
Joe Edwards
British Museum
Tony Matharu
Grange Hotels
Lisa Humpreys
WPP
Ruth Duston
Primera
Austin Casey
Primera

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