Minutes:
Colin Maclean, Community Links Bromley was pleased to advise members of the Partnership that Community Links Bromley currently had one apprentice and two intern positions and that there were significant opportunities for young people in building a career in the voluntary and community sector. Community Links Bromley was also working with Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to provide volunteering opportunities for people who had experienced mental health issues to help support them back into work. Colin Maclean noted that Healthwatch Bromley would shortly be interviewing candidates for the position of Chair to drive forward improvements to local health and social care services.
Ivan Reffell, Best of Bromley Borough confirmed that the Best of Bromley Borough website had been launched to support and promote independent businesses in the Borough and encourage residents to shop locally. Work was being undertaken to raise public awareness around the local offer and other methods of communication were also being explored. Monthly networking meetings for local businesses were also being held.
Sam Parrett, Bromley College of Further and Higher Education confirmed that the new centre for young people with special educational needs and disabilities on the Bromley campus had now been completed and that these students would be supported towards work where appropriate. The College was now planning the construction of a £5m Sports Hall on the Bromley campus, of which £1.3m funding would be provided by the Skills Funding Agency. The Sports Hall would include a gym and lecture hall facilities and was expected to be in place by September 2014 to support the introduction of a range of sports science courses at the College, as well as increased community use of the campus facilities. Sam Parrett was pleased to note that the College had established a partnership with Canterbury Christ Church University which would expand the Higher Education offer of the College. The College was also working to establish a University Technical College and hoped to develop this in the area of Health and Life Sciences.
Steve Nelson, South East London Chamber of Commerce reported that the Chamber of Commerce was introducing an Executives’ Club which would be launched later in 2013. The Chamber’s website would shortly be updated to include more business advice and make it easier for local businesses to access procurement opportunities with Local Authorities.
Suzanne Sharp, NewsQuest noted that the number of recruitment opportunities advertised through the recruitment service was equal to the same period in 2012. The News Shopper had a dedicated platform for Education and Training and a wide ranging readership which could support public awareness of partner initiatives and business opportunities.
Adrian Hollands, Baker Tilly Tax and Accounting Limited confirmed that a refurbishment of his offices had recently been completed. Clients of the firm continued to report difficulty in obtaining loans from banks, which was a major barrier to business investment and growth.
Robert Innes, Skills Funding Agency noted the need to raise awareness of the London Enterprise Panel, which was the Local Enterprise Partnership for London.
Carol Arnfield, Bromley Adult Education College confirmed that the Bromley Adult Education College continued to work closely with Jobcentre Plus to deliver qualifications to local people who were unemployed. In the Summer Term 2013, 44 courses were offered to jobseekers. This had resulted in 352 enrolments, 80% of which were by Bromley residents. Key areas for training included IT, office skills, adult social care, retail and CV writing. A short course was also being offered to support people to use the Jobcentre Plus universal job match website which had resulted in over 100 enrolments. The work club at the Kentwood Centre ran two mornings per week and would continue throughout the summer break.
RESOLVED that the updates be noted.