The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to convene on Tuesday 13 January 2026 to discuss a tailored employment support trailblazer project and receive an update on economic development services. The meeting's agenda also included partner updates and a review of previous meeting minutes.

Tailored Employment Support Trailblazer Project

The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on the Tailored Employment Support Trailblazer Project, with Jane Knight, founder of 'Successful Mums', expected to be involved. The report pack indicates that this project aims to provide employment support, though specific details of the discussion or any recommendations were not available.

Economic Development Service Update

Daniel Murray, LBB Head of Economic Development, was scheduled to provide an update on the Economic Development Service. This update was expected to cover the ongoing development of the three-year growth plan, which includes seven workstreams that are intended to be consolidated. The Business Development Team's work, largely funded by grants, and its link to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund were also anticipated to be discussed. The report pack mentions a recent meeting attended by the team with 'Let's Grow Bromley' and Goldsmiths, as well as an upcoming visit to the House of Commons on 12th February. A meeting with the South East London Chamber was also planned for 20th November.

Specific initiatives mentioned in the report pack for potential discussion included the appointment of a local company to expand and develop the Opportunity Bromley Website, an advertising agreement arranged with Bromley FC, and progress in marketing public realm improvements around Elmfield Road. A feasibility study with Network Rail to improve access around Bromley South Train Station was also planned. Additionally, contractors were expected to recommence work on Prospect House in the New Year.

Partner Updates

A segment of the meeting was allocated for updates from various partners. These updates were expected to cover a range of activities and achievements within their respective organisations.

The Penge SE20 BID Company, represented by Zoe Carr, was noted for having won the Best Community-Driven BID award at the 2025 Greater London Enterprise Awards, recognising its community support and initiatives.

Lily Mensah was expected to report on a quarterly network meeting with sixty businesses, highlighting significant enthusiasm for involvement in the Growth Builder Programme.

Chandra Sharma of the Federation of Small Businesses was scheduled to raise concerns from local businesses regarding shoplifting and the impact of temporary traffic lights. The report pack notes that the Council's ability to intervene in utility works is limited, and no compensation is provided for emergency works. Start up Bromley, with nine hundred members and aiming for one thousand, was noted to be exceeding targets despite funding decreases, and seeking expert and general support from the Council.

Splash Damage, represented by Sarah Lippett and Caroline Tatchell, was reported to have been acquired by a private equity company, which was viewed as a positive development, with the company in the process of recruiting new staff.

Russell Clarke of Sundridge Investments Limited was expected to provide a brief update, indicating that things were ticking over.

Lorna Strawson from the Churchill Theatre was scheduled to provide an update on preparations for the Christmas pantomime and planned upgrades under new ownership by Galliard, including refurbishment of the auditorium.

Debra Weekes, representing Mytime Active, was expected to report on trading according to budget despite closures, and the progress of the redevelopment of the Walnuts, anticipated to reopen in Spring 2026. Staff previously relocated from the Walnuts would be offered the chance to return. The Well-Being Hub, located in The Glades, which offers free health checks, was also mentioned.

Christopher Evans of Community Links Bromley was expected to provide an update following the Volunteer of the Year awards, noting the attendance of the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Lord Lieutenant, and the recruitment of a Grassroots Development Worker.

Adrian Gabriel-Lovell from Jobcentre Plus was scheduled to provide an update on employment and rehabilitation programmes, including the merging of DfE into the DWP and efforts to encourage take-up of Pension Credit. Plans for a youth space, potentially with My Time Active, were also mentioned.

Yvonne Tomlin Miller from Bromley Adult Education College was expected to report on the successful running of the child care 'Trail Blazers' programme, with a £500,000 grant from the GLA for capital works to develop outreach, the headquarters in Penge, IT for libraries, and a pilot voluntary course.

Katy Woolcott from London Biggin Hill Airport was scheduled to provide an update on refurbishing and upgrading airport hangars to meet environmental standards, a £20 million investment in the runway, and ongoing work with an accreditation programme to ensure a minimum carbon footprint.

Chris Burr from London South East Colleges was expected to report on engagement with local businesses regarding plans for Bromley Town Centre over the next five years.

Lee Thomas, Vice-Chairman and representing Fairlight Group, was expected to provide an update indicating that business was ticking over with some encouraging aspects, but also recurrent issues regarding planning consent.

Minutes of Previous Meeting and Future Meetings

The meeting was scheduled to begin with the confirmation of the minutes from the meeting held on 14th October 2025 and a review of any outstanding matters. The agenda also included a slot for Any Other Business and concluded with the confirmation of dates for future meetings, with the next scheduled for 14th April 2026.

The information presented here is based solely on the documents provided for the meeting and does not reflect any discussions that may have taken place or any decisions that may have been made. The information status of this meeting is PENDINGCOUNCILPUBLICATION.