Issue - meetings

The Chairman led a discussion around the format of Bromley Economic Partnership meetings.  It was proposed that the meetings become more practical, with one or two major issues impacting the borough economy to be discussed by partners at each meeting.  These issues might include communications, including the redesign of the Business Support pages on the Bromley Council website and better communication between the members of the Partnership.  The Director of Renewal and Recreation Department confirmed that a Communications and Public Relations Officer would shortly be recruited by the Renewal and Recreation Department and would report to the next meeting of the Bromley Economic Partnership. 

A proposal to introduce a Business Improvement District (BID) to an area of the borough, such as Orpington, was also highlighted as a potential area for discussion.  The Chairman underlined the success of the BIDs scheme across the country and noted that a small increase in business rates within an area could support sustained improvement in the local economy and encourage inward investment.  It was suggested that a speaker should be invited to the next meeting of the Partnership to explain the BIDs process in more detail.

RESOLVED that the issues raised be noted.