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 noted updates on these key initiatives and heard from various partners about their ongoing work and challenges.

London Growth Plan

Laura Citron, Chief Executive of London and Partners, provided 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 also 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 and highlighted the role of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). She advised that for Bromley to make the best case for its local economy, it needed a clear and specific vision of its aspirations. London and Partners, which is operationally independent and partly funded by businesses, will work with Bromley to attract investors and businesses, but requires clarity on Bromley's specific needs and offerings. The partnership noted the update on the London Growth Plan.

Bromley Night Strategy Update

Lorraine McQuillan, Senior Economic Development Manager at Bromley Council, presented an update on the Bromley Night Strategy. The event programme for Bromley's Night Time Enterprise Zone has been put forward as a case study for the World Cities Culture Forum. Stakeholder meetings have been held, proposing themes of 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 final strategy is expected to go to the Planning and Development Services (PDS) Committee in June, with publication planned for the summer, subject to committee approval. Discussions included how Bromley Adult Education College could offer more evening courses. Ms McQuillan confirmed the strategy is a five-year plan, aligning with the London Growth Plan and Bromley's Licensing Policy, and expressed optimism about its implementation within the timeframe. 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. The focus is now on how this network can deliver business benefits. Representatives from ITS Technology Group, an alternative network provider and the second-largest wholesaler of its kind in the UK, explained their role as a wholesaler, not a direct seller to end-users. ITS has built approximately 70 networks across the UK, serving retail, industrial parks, and business hubs. They agreed that the network's value lies in its utilisation. Funding for the dark fibre network was partly provided by the Mayor of London through the 'Gigabyte Capable Infrastructure' project. The update highlighted that fibre is replacing copper networks due to its faster data transfer capabilities, leading to the closure of old telephone exchanges and the replacement with data centres. In Bromley, the dark fibre 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 more connections. An Internet Gateway has been established in the Bromley Exchange to facilitate full fibre services for businesses in the area. Further connections are planned, and ITS will work with 'Daisy' for marketing, referring interested businesses to local partners for connection. The potential for the network to serve businesses and charities operating from residential properties was also discussed. The partnership noted the update on the Dark Fibre Network Commercialisation.

Economic Development Service Update

Daniel Murray, Head of Economic Development at Bromley Council, provided an update on the Economic Development Service, covering three key workstreams:

• Business Engagement and Inward Investment: The service is developing a brand for its new Inward Investment Service, working on a promotional video and website, and creating a prospectus. Final outputs will be shared at a High Growth Event in May. The partnership offered general support for this initiative.
• 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. The partnership expressed general support for this initiative.
• Employment and Skills (E&S): An E&S Board is being established to oversee the Strategic Plan and the 'Connect to Work' implementation programme. Work is underway to establish the in-house supported work model, which will be known as 'Bromley Work'. The partnership offered general support for this initiative.

The partnership noted the update on the Economic Service.

Partner Updates

Several partners provided updates on their activities and challenges:

• 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: While retail enquiries have been received, their quality has been inconsistent. The refurbishment of the Bromley Mall has been delayed. The office market, which had been slow, saw three significant enquiries on the day of the meeting. A leisure operator has shown interest in the former Argos unit.
• Your Bromley BID: A business cyber security event, in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police, is scheduled for 25 April, 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 have opened, with more planned. Three new retailers have expressed interest in the former Debenhams store, including an existing retailer seeking expansion, 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: The company reported positivity over recent months, with all offices currently let. However, some businesses are facing financial pressures, with one reporting a projected National Insurance increase of £70,000 for the coming year. Concerns were raised about the high cost of building and ongoing bureaucracy in planning departments.
• Bromley Adult Education College: The college has delivered courses to 2,500 students in the past year and received a Grade 2 rating from Ofsted. They are delivering AI training across London colleges. The college is consolidating its operations at the Kentwood site, with the Poverest site closing and its curriculum transferring, supported by capital investment from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
• DWP: The DWP can assist with direct recruitment and offer interview spaces. Employment advisers are available to support employers with the recruitment process 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 5-point health checks at the Well-Being Hub in The Glades.
• Splash Damage: The company reported a 50% reduction in staff levels. Executives attended the GDC event in San Francisco and secured leads for new projects.
• Churchill Theatre: Fiscal Year 2025 has been successful, with 200,000 visitors attending 315 performances. The 'Snow White' pantomime was highly successful, and advance bookings for 'Beauty and the Beast' are already strong. A comprehensive update was provided on the Theatre's Work Experience Programme.

The meeting concluded with no other business raised and the date for the next meeting set for 1 July 2025.