The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to meet on Tuesday 1 July 2025, to discuss topics including the Openreach Bromley Gigabit rollout, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and an update from the Economic Development Service. The meeting was also set to include updates from various partners and a discussion of any other business.

UKSPF Evaluation Findings

The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to discuss the evaluation findings of the UKSPF¹ supporting local business. The UKSPF is a central pillar of the UK government's levelling up agenda², providing funding for local investment.

Openreach Bromley Gigabit Rollout

The meeting was scheduled to include an update on the Openreach Bromley Gigabit rollout. Openreach³ is a large telecommunications company that manages the UK's digital network.

Economic Development Service Update

The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to receive an update on the Economic Development Service. According to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1 April 2025, the Economic Development Service has three workstreams:

• Business Engagement and Inward Investment
• Business Support
• Employment and Skills

Since the last meeting, the Economic Development Service has reportedly been working on the brand for the new Inward Investment Service, and secured a 12-month extension of UKSPF funding across three priority Growth Plan Areas. The new funding is planned to be used for the Inward Investment Service rollout and public realm improvements on Elmfield Road. The Economic Development Service has also been working to establish an in-house supported work model, which in Bromley will be called Bromley Work.

Partner Updates

The Bromley Economic Partnership was scheduled to receive updates from its partners. At the previous meeting on 1 April 2025, partners provided the following updates:

• The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) requested that the council follow FSB events shown on the FSB website.
• Michael Rogers LLP reported retail enquiries were of poor quality and the Bromley Mall refurbishment had been delayed. The office market had been dead since September, but three significant enquiries had been received on the day of the meeting.
• Your Bromley BID⁴ reported a business cyber security event was planned for 25 April in conjunction with the Metropolitan Police.
• The Glades shopping centre reported being busy, particularly around Mother's Day, and that retail lettings were doing well.
• Sundridge Investments reported some positivity over the last few months, with all offices currently let.
• Bromley Adult Education College reported courses had been delivered to 2,500 students over the last year and the college had received a grade 2 rating from Ofsted⁵.
• The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) noted it could be involved in direct recruitment and its spaces could be used for interviews.
• Handelsbanken reported the banking sector was doing reasonably well, but there was some concern regarding the increase in utility prices and the rise in national insurance contributions.
• Mytime Active reported The Walnuts was currently closed for re-development and Crofton Halls was being re-developed to take some of the displacement.
• Splash Damage reported staff levels were being reduced by 50%.
• Churchill Theatre reported FY25 had been very successful with 200,000 people attending 315 performances.

Other Business

The agenda included an item for any other business.