About Us - Central District Alliance

Have you downloaded the CDA Club App?

A free, all inclusive app for those who live, work, and visit Holborn, Bloomsbury, St Giles, Clerkenwell and Farringdon.

Download Now!

Thank you for your submission

JUMP TO:

About Us

Formerly known as Midtown BID, Central District Alliance is the rebranded and revitalised Business Improvement District (BID) for Holborn and Clerkenwell. We are a partnership bringing together our members, local authorities, and the third sector to drive growth and success in our vibrant district.

At Central District Alliance, we pride ourselves on our ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Our strong partnerships with members, local communities, Camden Council, Islington Council, Transport for London (TfL), and the third sector enable us to act as a facilitator, custodian, ambassador, and champion for the businesses we serve.

Our commitment to inclusivity and cooperation ensures that the Central District Alliance remains a powerful and effective advocate for our members. By fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose, we create an environment where businesses can excel and contribute to the continued success of our thriving district.

What is a BID

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

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are a transformative way to manage business communities, and their popularity is growing rapidly in London. Central District Alliance proudly stands as one of the largest and most successful BIDs in the country, showcasing the positive impact that BIDs can have on attracting and retaining businesses in the area.

Representing over 400 businesses, our primary goal is to establish Central District Alliance as the premier destination for businesses seeking to thrive in London’s bustling environment.

Our recent re-ballot, which concluded in February 2020, demonstrated the unwavering support of our district’s businesses. Central District Alliance BID is delighted to have received a resounding YES to continue into its fourth term for Holborn, Bloomsbury, and St Giles; and a second term for Farringdon and Clerkenwell. This vote of confidence reinforces our commitment to championing the interests of our members and driving growth in our district.

Our Vision

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

Our vision at Central District Alliance is to create an environment in which central London can thrive and prosper. We strive to inspire a sense of pride and discovery within our local area, connecting people and unlocking the full potential of this diverse and vibrant part of London.

We take a collaborative approach, working hand-in-hand with our member businesses to support the local communities in which we operate. By fostering strong relationships and promoting a shared vision for the future, we create a dynamic atmosphere that empowers businesses and communities to flourish together.

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 governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from a diverse range of sectors within the BID area. This board is supported by a dedicated Executive Team that works tirelessly to bring CDA vision to life. Together, they ensure Central District Alliance remains focused on delivering the highest level of service and support for businesses and communities in the area, fostering a thriving environment for growth and prosperity in central London.

Meet The Team

Executive Team

Alexander Jan

Chair

Debbie Akehurst

Chief Executive

Gordon Brockie

Chief Operating Officer

Marcos Gold

External Affairs Manager

Nicky Bond

Head of Marketing and Events

Lydia Clarkson

Head of Placemaking

Rachael Aldridge

Communications & Marketing Manager

Suman Marygiri

Public Realm Project Manager

Anjali Batra

Business Engagement Manager

Spasoja Sam Rajnovic

Security and Operations Manager

Wayne Lewis

ESG Project Manager

Meet The Team

Board of Directors

Alexander Jan

Chair

Joe Edwards

British Museum

Susan Freeman

Mishcon de Reya

Lisa Humphreys

Group M

Tony Matharu

Blue Orchid Group

Amy Brown

Google

Ruth Duston

Primera

Austin Casey

Primera

Document Downloads

CDA Cultural Prospectus

Published

Hidden Histories e-book 2024

Published

Annual Report 2023

Published

Annual Report 2022

Published

Annual Report 2022

Published

Health and Safety Policy Statement

Published

Overview of Projects & Progress 2022/23 -2023/24

Published

Overview of Projects & Progress 2021/22 -2022/23

Published

Overview of Projects & Progress 2020/21 -2021/22

Published

Annual Summary 2019 - 2020

Published

Annual Summary 2018 - 2019

Published

2020+ Consultation

Published

Midtown BID Manifesto

Published

St John Street Public Realm Engagement

Published