The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to convene on Tuesday 14 April 2026 to discuss updates on economic development initiatives, partner activities, and the Bromley Armed Forces Covenant. The meeting's agenda also included a review of previous minutes and a session for questions from councillors and the public.

Bromley Armed Forces Covenant

A key item on the agenda was the Bromley Armed Forces Covenant, with Charlotte Ryan, Culture, Projects and Events Manager, scheduled to provide an update. The Armed Forces Covenant is a pledge that ensures those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly and not disadvantaged. This includes support with housing, employment, and access to services.

Economic Development Service Update

The meeting was set to receive an update on the work of the Economic Development Service. This would likely cover ongoing projects and strategies aimed at fostering economic growth within Bromley. Previous updates from this service have included details on initiatives such as the Bromley Works Employment Service, which aims to support individuals into employment through programmes like Connect to Work (C2W). This service aligns clinical treatment with employment support, considering factors such as addictions and mental health. The Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF), designed to assist individuals with learning disabilities, was also mentioned in previous updates, with plans for it to be outsourced to a specialist provider.

Additionally, the Economic Development Service has been involved in the Opportunity Bromley initiative, which aims to attract investment and business to the borough. Plans for expanding the Opportunity Bromley website and potentially making it an independent business entity were previously discussed. The Elmfield Road Public Realm Regeneration Project, a 'growth zone' initiative, was also highlighted, with Tate and Co appointed to lead the design team. Discussions with Network Rail regarding improvements at Bromley South Station were also noted as ongoing.

Partner Updates

The partnership was scheduled to hear updates from various partner organisations. These updates typically cover their recent activities, achievements, and future plans. In previous meetings, partners have shared information on a range of topics.

For instance, the Your Bromley BID reported on the success of its ballot, securing its operation for another five years, and provided figures on footfall. The Glades shopping centre shared news of new store openings, including Superdrug, Sweaty Betty, Amorino, Geox, and Miniso, as well as refurbishments and plans for the redevelopment of the former Debenhams store into retail, leisure, and gym spaces.

The Churchill Theatre reported a successful pantomime season and ongoing building improvements. My Time Active discussed the completion of work on flumes and the reopening of a pool, alongside excitement for the refurbished Walnuts Facility and ongoing recruitment efforts.

Start Up Bromley had previously reported a significant membership base and provided updates on workshops and events, including support for Beckenham Business Day and upcoming events like the 'Vision and Vitality' event and a National Apprenticeship Week event hosted by London South East Colleges (LSEC). Plans for an event on accessing grants and the Bromley Business Show were also mentioned.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) had previously offered assistance to businesses facing financial hardship and highlighted concerns about investment hesitancy, partly attributed to planning issues. The FSB also shared data from its Small Business Research Index, which indicated a loss of confidence among businesses. A report titled 'signed, sealed, delivered' on opportunities in public procurement was mentioned, alongside a small business awards programme run in collaboration with HSBC. The FSB also promoted the small business London Boot Camp event. Previous discussions also noted a reduction in Bromley's 'Deprivation Index'.

Job Centre Plus had focused on work experience to help long-term unemployed individuals build CVs and gain confidence.

Regarding banking and residential property, a positive start to the year for banking was reported, indicating increased business confidence. However, residential property sales and viewings were noted as being down, with affordability for first-time buyers being a concern. The time required for 'planning mobilisation' was also identified as an impediment to development.

London South East Colleges (LSEC) had reported stable student numbers and increased demand for trade-related skills training, with plans to bid for more revenue funding from the GLA. LSEC also noted a need for more workshop space and that it was part of a larger group renamed Elvare Civic Education Group.

The Vice-Chairman, representing the Fairlight Group, had reported positive business performance with high occupancy rates in serviced offices.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting and Matters Outstanding

The agenda included a review of the minutes from the Bromley Economic Partnership meeting held on 13 January 2026. This would have provided an opportunity to confirm the accuracy of the previous minutes and to address any outstanding actions or issues that were raised at that meeting.

Questions from Councillors and Members of the Public

A session was scheduled for questions from councillors and members of the public attending the meeting. In accordance with the Council's Constitution, members of the public could submit questions in writing in advance of the meeting, with specific deadlines for submission. Questions seeking clarification on agenda items could also be accepted closer to the meeting date.

The meeting was scheduled to take place at Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS.

The information provided is based on the documents made public regarding the meeting. The actual discussions and any decisions made are not detailed in these documents.