Issue - meetings

Report DRR14/082

Members considered an update on Town Centre Management and business support activities which had taken place since the previous update in June 2014.

The Head of Town Centre Management and Business Support agreed to check and report back on the success of the distribution of a discount voucher booklet which encouraged visitors to utilise businesses throughout Beckenham High Street (paragraph 1.7, page 56).

Referring to the Business Support Programme (paragraph 1.8 (ii), page 58), the Chairman commended officers on the success of the 'Bromley Means Business' Expo.  Councillor Michael requested feedback on how businesses had fared since the Expo and what had been developed from it.  The Head of Town Centre Management and Business Support confirmed that officers would be examining how much business had been generated as a result.

The Chairman also asked if any retailers had taken advantage of the discount on business rates (paragraph 1.8(iii), page 59).  The Head of Town Centre Management and Business Support agreed to look into this and report back.

The re-launch of the Bromley Business Growth Club in partnership with Action Coach was noted as was the upcoming Bromley and Kent Business Expo scheduled to take place at Coolings Nursery on 15 October which Members were encouraged to attend (paragraph 2.6, page 60).

Various projects remained incomplete with regard to the OLF Round 2 programme and a further update would be given at the November meeting of this Committee (paragraph 2.7 (page 61).

Members were informed that work was ongoing in regard to the Bromley BID.  An agreement with the Council in terms of a grant had been finalised.  The next stage of the process would involve a feasibility assessment of the BID followed by consultation.

RESOLVED that the key developments and activities within the Town Centre Management and Business Support Team, as summarised in Appendix 1 of the report be noted.