Issue - meetings

Sam Parrett confirmed that Bromley College of Further and Higher Education had secured an additional 100 places for full-time Higher Education students and 300-400 places for part-time Higher Education students.  Work was also being undertaken to attract more international students to the College and provide an increased offer to people and young people with learning disabilities.  The growth in student numbers would necessitate further development on the Bromley campus and there was potential to submit a bid to the Government to secure capital funds  There were also more opportunities for the local community to become involved in the college, including the establishment of a weekend college provision and the delivery of Bromley Adult Education College courses from the Bromley campus, and the identification of space on the Orpington campus for small businesses.

Peter Pledger was pleased to announce that South London Business would be delivering the South London Business Awards in 2012.

Colin Maclean noted work undertaken by an informal group of Bromley organisations focusing on skills and employment issues which was currently undertaking a mapping exercise.  He requested that this subject be included as a standing item under ‘Partner Updates’ in future.

Adrian Hollands announced that the South East London Chamber of Commerce was considering the introduction of open membership across South East London.  He also noted an opportunity announced in the Chancellor’s Budget 2012 which provided a tax incentive for higher rate taxpayers for investing in a qualifying small business.  This opportunity was similar to work undertaken by the Business Angels and other networks, and there was potential to secure support for local qualifying small businesses.

Laurie Taylor was pleased to note that the Glades would be undertaking a programme of 21 good deeds as part of its 21^st anniversary celebrations.  Capital Shopping Centres would also be pioneering the introduction of LED lights in 10 shopping centres across the country from June 2012, and members of the Partnership were invited to come into The Glades to view the new lighting.

RESOLVED that the updates be noted.

Dene Stuart (NewsQuest) appealed for stories for their weekly business newsletter.

Colin Maclean (Community Links Bromley) reported that he was building relationships in his new role, and was helping RBS Insurance with employee volunteering and the Glades with their 21 good deeds 21^st birthday initiative. He also inquired about how the voluntary sector could be involved with the Olympic torch relay – the contact at the Council for the Olympics was John Gledhill.

Robert Goddard (Thackray Williams Solicitors) reported that although residential conveyancing was fairly strong, companies were reducing their discretionary spend.

Carol Arnfield (Bromley Adult Education College) reported that they were doing a lot of work with Jobcentre Plus with an increased range of courses including literacy, numeracy, budgeting, pod-casting and touch-typing. A staff member now attended the job centre every Tuesday morning. The College had also applied to run a job-club at Kentwood.     

Robert Cundy (Federation of Small Businesses) reported that insolvencies were up for the third or fourth quarter running. Overall, Bromley was doing well in the current climate, but some other areas such as Kingston/Richmond and central London were doing better. The Federation was looking to hold another business expo, probably in May, but they needed to find a larger venue than Oakley House. Marc Hume suggested that they consider the Civic Centre.