The Bromley Economic Partnership met on Tuesday 1 April 2025 to discuss the London Growth Plan, an update on Bromley's Night Strategy, and the commercialisation of the borough's dark fibre network. Decisions were made to note the updates on the London Growth Plan and the Bromley Night Strategy.

London Growth Plan

Laura Citron, Chief Executive of London and Partners¹, presented an update on the London Growth Plan. This 10-year strategy aims to support Bromley's small and high-growth businesses, attract inward investment, and promote capital flow into the borough. Ms Citron highlighted potential pitfalls for the plan, including being too broad, balancing London's strengths with its challenges, aligning ambition with actual powers, and balancing long-term strategy with short-term actions. The plan identifies six key shifts: Labour Supply, Changing Nature of Work, Climate Change, Frontier Innovation, Polycentric Growth, and Re-ordering of Global Trade. Five growth sectors were identified: Frontier Innovation, Financial, Professional and Business Service Technology, Creative Industries (particularly Film and TV), the Experience Economy, and International Education. The plan also outlines five key action areas: inclusive talent strategy, backing businesses, housing and infrastructure, investment and promotion, and local places. The importance of housing as a great unlocker was emphasised, as was the inclusion of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the Growth Plan. The partnership noted the growth in e-sports and the importance of the retail and third sectors. Councillor Yvonne Bear, Portfolio Holder for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, asked how Bromley could best advocate for its local economy within the global context of the Growth Plan. Ms Citron advised that Bromley needed a clear and specific vision of its offerings to attract investors and businesses.

Decision: The update on the London Growth Plan was noted.

Bromley Night Strategy Update

Lorraine McQuillan, Senior Economic Development Manager at Bromley Council (LBB), provided an update on Bromley's Night Time Strategy. The event programme curated for Bromley's Night Time Enterprise Zone is being considered as a case study for the World Cities Culture Forum. The strategy is built around five themes: People, Place, Promotion, Policy, and Prosperity, with various interventions planned under each. A new working group, evolving from the previous stakeholder group, will be responsible for implementing the strategy and developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The strategy is scheduled to go to the PDS Committee in June for approval and publication in the summer. A discussion ensued regarding the potential for Bromley Adult Education College to offer more evening courses, the oversight of the action plan, its timeframe, and resource allocation. Ms McQuillan confirmed the strategy is a five-year plan, aligning with the Growth Plan and LBB's Licensing Policy, and expressed optimism for its implementation within that timeframe.

Decision: The Bromley Night Strategy Update was noted.

Dark Fibre Network – Commercialisation Update

The meeting heard that 77 kilometres of dark fibre network has been laid across the borough, and the focus is now on how to leverage this infrastructure for business benefits. Representatives from ITS Technology Group, an alternative network provider and wholesaler, explained their role in connecting businesses to such networks. ITS Technology Group has built approximately 70 networks across the UK, serving various commercial areas. They noted that fibre is replacing older copper networks due to its superior data transfer capabilities. In Bromley, the dark fibre network has already been used to connect community hubs and CCTV, resulting in cost savings for the Council. An Internet Gateway has been established at the Bromley Exchange to facilitate the provision of full fibre services to businesses. ITS plans to work with partners like 'Daisy' to connect businesses to the network. A discussion also took place regarding the network's potential to serve businesses and charities operating from residential properties.

Decision: The Dark Fibre Network Commercialisation Update was noted.

Economic Development Service Update

Daniel Murray, Head of Economic Development at Bromley Council (LBB), presented an update on the Economic Development Service's workstreams.

• Business Engagement and Inward Investment: Work is progressing on branding for the new Inward Investment Service, including a promotional video, website development, and a prospectus. Final outputs are expected to be shared at a High Growth Event in May.
• Business Support: A 12-month extension of UKSPF² funding has been secured across three priority Growth Plan Areas. New funding will be allocated to the Inward Investment Service rollout and public realm improvements for Elmfield Road.
• Employment and Skills (E&S): The service is working on establishing an in-house supported work model, which will be known as Bromley Work as part of the Connect to Work Programme.

Decision: The Economic Development Service Update was noted.

Partner Updates

Several partners provided updates:

• 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 FSB Boot Camp and a procurement event aimed at helping small businesses access tenders. Updates were also provided on Start up Bromley and a Bank of Dave event.
• Michael Rogers LLP: Enquiries for retail spaces have been received, though their quality is variable. The refurbishment of the Bromley Mall has been delayed, but the office market has seen a recent surge in interest after a quiet period. A leisure operator has expressed interest in the former Argos unit.
• Your Bromley BID: A business cyber security event is planned for 25 April in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, open to all Bromley businesses.
• The Glades: The shopping centre has been busy, particularly around Mother's Day, with strong retail lettings. Several new retailers are set to open, and there is interest in the former Debenhams store from a retailer, a leisure operator, and a gym operator. The Sanctuary Project, a safe space, was also mentioned. Marks & Spencer is planning further investment in its store.
• Sundridge Investments: The office market is currently fully let, but some businesses are experiencing significant projected increases in National Insurance contributions. Concerns were raised about the high cost of building and planning department bureaucracy.
• Bromley Adult Education College: The college has delivered courses to 2,500 students over the past year and recently received a Grade 2 rating from Ofsted. AI training is being delivered in immersive spaces. The college is consolidating its operations at the Kentwood site as the Poverest site closes, supported by capital investment from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
• DWP: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can assist with direct recruitment and offer interview spaces. Employment advisers are available to support employers with recruitment processes and can help arrange relevant training courses.
• Handelsbanken: The banking sector is performing reasonably well, though concerns exist regarding rising utility prices and National Insurance contributions.
• My Time Active: The Walnuts is closed for redevelopment, with Crofton Halls being redeveloped to accommodate displaced services. Steve May has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer. My Time Active is offering free five-point health checks at the Well-Being Hub in The Glades.
• Splash Damage: The company is reducing staff levels by 50%. Three executives attended the GDC event in San Francisco and have secured leads for new projects.
• Churchill Theatre: Fiscal Year 2025 has been successful, with 200,000 visitors attending 315 performances. Advance bookings for the upcoming pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, are strong, following the success of Snow White. A comprehensive update on the Theatre's Work Experience Programme was also provided.