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 address the implications of changes to flexible working legislation for local businesses and review matters arising from previous meetings.

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

The Partnership was scheduled to receive an introduction to the new Head of Strategic Planning and an update on the Local Plan. This was scheduled to be presented by Andrew Thompson, LBB Head of Planning Policy and Strategy. The Local Plan sets out the Council's vision for the future development of Bromley, outlining policies for housing, employment, transport, and the environment.

Economic Development Service Update

Daniel Murray, Head of Economic Development for the London Borough of Bromley (LBB), was scheduled to provide an update on the Economic Development Service. This update was expected to cover the progress of Opportunity Bromley, which aims to create a unified growth and regeneration framework for the borough. The development of a bondholder scheme, designed to promote investment and business growth, was also scheduled to be discussed. The report pack indicated that work was underway to establish London's first such scheme.

The update was also scheduled to cover 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 for Bromley South Train Station were also anticipated. Furthermore, the report pack highlighted the development of four business support programmes: AI on the High Street, a Business Mentoring Scheme, a Test Trading Pop Up, and the Vacant to Valuable project, which aims to reuse vacant commercial units.

Regarding employment and skills, an update on Bromley Works was scheduled, including the Trailblazer Programme and the Local Employment Charter. The Connect to Work employment support programme and the NHS Work Well programme were also due for discussion. The DWP Jobs Guarantee Scheme, aimed at supporting younger unemployed individuals, was also listed for review.

Changes to Flexible Working Legislation

The implications of changes to flexible working legislation for Bromley businesses were scheduled to be discussed. This item was scheduled to be presented by Katie Gould, CEO and Co-Founder of Nugget Savings. Flexible working legislation allows employees to request changes to their working hours, patterns, or location. The discussion was expected to explore how these legislative changes might affect local employers and their workforce.

Partner Updates

Several partners were scheduled to provide updates on their activities:

• DWP: Further clarification regarding the DWP Youth Jobs Guarantee Scheme was anticipated.
• Your Bromley BID: Updates were expected on footfall and spending, work on 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 radios for town centre communication.
• Biggin Hill Airport: The Partnership was scheduled to hear about completed work in the paint hangar, potential job creation, the Airport's Accreditation Programme, its move towards being paperless, and the review of Environmental and Social Governance targets. The continuation of its Futures Week for young people was also to be mentioned.
• Lansdowne Asset Management: Updates were expected on a significant development with Clarion Housing Group in Homefield Rise, which is planned to be 100% social housing, and progress on another housing scheme in the southern part of the borough.
• Start Up Bromley: The Partnership was scheduled to receive an update on the organisation's activities, including managing with limited funding, its growing membership, and the variety of training courses offered.
• FSB (Federation of Small Businesses): The Partnership was to be informed about the FSB's Q2 report (Small Business Index) and online events. The promotion of events on social media and potential collaboration with the Council were also on the agenda. The London Boot Camp event and an online webinar featuring Rishi Sunak were to be promoted.
• Handelsbanken Bank: An update was expected on the bank's performance, noting the impact of geopolitical and political uncertainty, and the expectation that interest rates would remain stable. The property market was described as stagnant.
• 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.
• Fairlight Group: An update was expected on current trading conditions, with the view expressed that this was a worrying time for the UK property market.

Matters Arising

The Partnership was scheduled to review and comment on the progress of actions arising from the previous meeting held on 30 June 2026. The report pack indicated that the establishment of Opportunity Bromley Ltd as an independent company was approved. Progress on the Bromley South Train Station design was ongoing, with a significant funding gap remaining. The report pack also detailed the successful launch and extension of the Test Trading Pop Up Market Stall scheme at Bromley Charter Market, and the development of a volunteer mentoring scheme by Opportunity Bromley. The internal audit of the Connect to Work programme was noted as postponed. Updates on Biggin Hill Airport's paint hangar work and Lansdowne Asset Management's housing developments were also listed as ongoing. The matter concerning B&A ratings and EPCs raised by William Nash Ltd was to be further interrogated.