The Bromley Economic Partnership met on Tuesday 1 April 2025 to discuss the London Growth Plan, the Bromley Night Strategy, and the commercialisation of the borough's dark fibre network. The meeting also included updates on economic development services and partner activities.

London Growth Plan

Laura Citron, Chief Executive of London and Partners, presented an update on the London Growth Plan, a 10-year strategy aimed at supporting Bromley's small and high-growth businesses, attracting inward investment, and promoting capital flow into the borough. The plan identifies six key shifts influencing London's future: Labour Supply, Changing Nature of Work, Climate Change, Frontier Innovation, Polycentric Growth, and the Re-ordering of Global Trade. Five growth sectors have been identified: Frontier Innovation, Financial, Professional and Business Service Technology, Creative Industries (particularly Film and TV), the Experience Economy, and International Education. The plan outlines five key action areas: inclusive talent strategy, backing businesses, housing and infrastructure, investment and promotion, and local places. Ms Citron emphasised the critical importance of housing for attracting workers and students to London. The partnership noted the update on the London Growth Plan.

Bromley Night Strategy Update

Lorraine McQuillan, Senior Economic Development Manager for Bromley Council, provided an update on the Bromley Night Strategy. The event programme for Bromley's Night Time Enterprise Zone has been proposed as a case study for the World Cities Culture Forum. Stakeholder meetings have identified five key themes for the strategy: People, Place, Promotion, Policy, and Prosperity. A new working group, evolving from the previous stakeholder group, will be responsible for implementing the strategy and developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The final strategy is expected to be presented to the PDS Committee in June and published in the summer. The partnership noted the update on the Bromley Night Strategy.

Dark Fibre Network – Commercialisation Update

The meeting received an update on the commercialisation of the dark fibre network, which has seen 77 kilometres laid across the borough. Representatives from ITS Technology Group, an alternative network provider, discussed the practical applications of the network to benefit Bromley and its businesses. ITS Technology Group operates as a wholesaler, having built approximately 70 networks across the UK. Funding for the dark fibre network was partially provided by the London Mayor through the 'Gigabyte Capable Infrastructure' project. The network has already been used to connect community hubs and CCTV, resulting in tangible cost savings for the Council, with significant spare capacity available for further connections. An Internet Gateway has been established in the Bromley Exchange to facilitate full fibre services for businesses in the area. The partnership noted the update on the Dark Fibre Network Commercialisation.

Economic Development Service Update

An update was provided on the Economic Development Service, covering three key workstreams:

• Business Engagement and Inward Investment: Efforts are underway to brand the new Inward Investment Service, with a promotional video and website in development. A prospectus is being created for the High Growth Event in May.
• Business Support: A 12-month extension of UKSPF funding has been secured across three priority Growth Plan Areas. New funds are earmarked for the Inward Investment Service rollout and Elmfield Road public realm improvements.
• Employment and Skills (E&S): An E&S Board is being established to oversee the Strategic Plan and the 'Connect to Work' implementation programme, which will be known as 'Bromley Work' in the borough.

The partnership noted the update on the Economic Service.

Partner Updates

Several partners provided updates on their activities:

• Federation of Small Businesses (FSB): The FSB called for central government to encourage small business growth, reduce business rates, and simplify access to government contracts. They highlighted the success of their Boot Camp and procurement events.
• Michael Rogers LLP: While retail enquiries have been of low quality, the refurbishment of the Bromley Mall is still planned, though delayed. The office market has seen a recent increase in significant enquiries. A leisure operator has expressed interest in a former Argos unit.
• Your Bromley BID: A business cyber security event, in conjunction with the Met Police, is scheduled for 25 April.
• The Glades: The shopping centre has experienced high footfall, particularly around Mother's Day, with strong retail lettings. Several new retailers are planned, and there is interest in the former Debenhams store from existing retailers, a leisure operator, and a gym operator. The Sanctuary Project, a safe space, is ongoing, and M&S plans further investment in its store.
• Sundridge Investments: While offices are fully let, concerns were raised about rising National Insurance contributions and the high cost of building, alongside ongoing bureaucracy in planning departments.
• Bromley Adult Education College: The college has delivered courses to 2,500 students and received a Grade 2 rating from Ofsted. AI training is being delivered across London colleges. The Poverest site is closing, with its curriculum transferring to Kentwood, supported by capital investment from EFSA.
• DWP: The DWP can assist with direct recruitment and offer interview spaces. Employment advisers are available to support employers with recruitment and relevant training.
• Handelsbanken: The banking sector is performing reasonably well, though concerns exist regarding increased utility prices and National Insurance contributions.
• My Time Active: The Walnuts is closed for redevelopment, with Crofton Halls undergoing redevelopment to accommodate displaced services. Steve May has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. Free health checks are being offered at the Well-Being Hub in The Glades.
• Splash Damage: The company is reducing staff levels by 50%, but executives have returned from the GDC event in San Francisco with leads for new projects.
• Churchill Theatre: FY25 has been a successful year with 200,000 attendees. Advance bookings for the next pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, are strong. A comprehensive update on the Theatre's Work Experience Programme was provided.