The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to consider updates on economic development initiatives, including the progress of Opportunity Bromley and the development of a new local plan. The meeting was also scheduled to discuss the implications of changes to flexible working legislation for local businesses and to receive updates from various partners.

Introduction to the New Head of Strategic Planning and Local Plan Update

The meeting was scheduled to hear from Andrew Thompson, LBB Head of Planning Policy and Strategy, who was to provide an introduction to the new Head of Strategic Planning. This session was also scheduled to include an update on the Local Plan. The Local Plan sets out the council's strategy for the future development of the borough, guiding decisions on planning applications and identifying areas for growth and regeneration.

Economic Development Service Update

Daniel Murray, LBB Head of Economic Development, was scheduled to provide an update on the work of the Economic Development Service. This was expected to cover key initiatives such as the development of the Opportunity Bromley framework, which aims to create a unified approach to growth and regeneration. The update was also scheduled to touch upon the progress of the Growth Plan, focusing on inward investment, business support, and employment and skills. The establishment of London's first bondholder scheme was also to be discussed.

Further to this, the meeting was scheduled to receive an update on business engagement events, including a High Growth event and a Health and Social Care 'Meet the Buyer' event. Developments regarding the Elmfield Road Development and the concept and feasibility study for Bromley South Train Station were also on the agenda. The report pack indicated that four business support programmes were being developed despite the absence of UKSPF funding: AI on the High Street, a Business Mentoring Scheme, a Test Trading Pop Up, and the Vacant to Valuable project. The Vacant to Valuable project aims to reuse vacant commercial units for office and retail use.

Updates were also scheduled regarding unemployment and skills, with a focus on the Bromley Works initiative. The Trailblazer Programme, funded by Local London, was to be discussed, which allows employers to recruit individuals with reimbursed employment costs. The Local Employment Charter and the Connect to Work employment support programme were also scheduled for an update. Additionally, the NHS Work Well programme, designed to support employees in the workplace, and the DWP Jobs Guarantee Scheme, aimed at younger unemployed individuals, were to be mentioned.

Changes to Flexible Working Legislation

The meeting was scheduled to consider the implications of changes to flexible working legislation for Bromley businesses. This session was to feature input from Katie Gould, CEO and Co-founder of Nugget Savings. Flexible working arrangements allow employees to request variations to their working hours, patterns, or location, and legislative changes can impact how businesses manage these requests.

Partner Updates

Several partners were scheduled to provide updates on their activities.

• DWP: Further discussion and clarification regarding the DWP Youth Jobs Guarantee Scheme was scheduled.
• Your Bromley BID: Updates were expected on footfall and spending, the development of a new website, the success of the Floral Fest event, the upcoming Bromley Motor Show, summer planting, Bromley Restaurant Week, street furniture improvements, and the upgrade of communication radios in the town centre.
• Biggin Hill Airport: The meeting was scheduled to receive an update on work completed in the paint hangar, potential job creation, and the Airport's Accreditation Programme. The Airport's move towards being paperless and the review of its Environmental and Social Governance targets were also to be discussed.
• Lansdowne Asset Management: Updates were anticipated on a phased development in Homefield Rise with Clarion Housing Group, which is planned to be 100% social housing. Progress on another housing scheme in the southern part of the borough, intended to deliver social houses, was also to be covered.
• Start Up Bromley: The meeting was scheduled to hear about the challenges and successes of Start Up Bromley, including its relocation, limited funding, and its growing membership. Information on training courses and fundraising events was also expected.
• FSB (Federation of Small Businesses): The meeting was scheduled to receive information on the FSB Q2 report (Small Business Index) and online events. The FSB was also expected to enquire about the appropriate contact at the Council for promoting events on social media. The London Boot Camp event and an online webinar on AI featuring Rishi Sunak were to be promoted.
• Handelsbanken Bank: The meeting was scheduled to note the retirement of Mike Humphries and the assignment of a replacement. Updates on the economic climate, including the impact of geopolitical and political uncertainty, and expectations for interest rates and the property market were to be provided.
• William Nash Ltd: Jonathan Nash was scheduled to declare an interest regarding land offered for employment in Saint Paul's Cray. A discussion was anticipated concerning the decline in the medium-sized business market and the potential impact of Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) legislation on industrial units. The meeting was scheduled to explore whether the Council could assist in this situation.
• Fairlight Group: The meeting was scheduled to hear about current trading conditions and the challenges in maintaining business flow within the UK property market.

Matters Arising from Previous Meetings

The meeting was scheduled to review and comment on progress made on actions arising from the previous meeting held on 30th June 2026. This included updates on the establishment of Opportunity Bromley Ltd as an independent entity, progress on the Bromley South Train Station concept and feasibility study, and the continuation of the Test Trading Pop Up Market Stall scheme. The status of the Connect to Work employment support programme audit was also to be reviewed. Updates on the Homefield Rise development and the housing scheme in the southern part of the borough were also listed as ongoing matters.