Minutes:
Members of the Partnership had undertaken a range of activities since the last meeting.
Mr Chandra Sharma attended the meeting representing the Federation of Small Business which had recently rebranded with a strapline “Experts in Business”. The regional boundaries were changing, and the South East branch was now to cover Essex. FSB were involved in the Orpington 1st BID networking event on 29th January 2016 and are currently looking for guest speakers.
Mr Andrew Cox, Bromley College of Further and Higher Education, advised members of the Partnership of the launch of the Innovation School which was to include facilities such as hot desking, office space and incubation for start-up businesses. It was currently undergoing a soft launch and would have an official opening at the end of the summer. The Virtual College had now launched and details could be found at http://elearning.bromley.ac.uk/. The Partnership offered its congratulations to Mrs Sam Parrett, Principal of Bromley College of Further and Higher Education, who had been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to further education.
Mr Adam Smith, Mytime Active, informed the Partnership that attendances were up 4%. Mytime would shortly launch a family proposition with a new strategy and 5 year business plan, and investment of £1.5m would be made across the portfolio including High Elms Golf Club, Beckenham Spa, the Pavilion pool facility and changing facilities at the Walnuts and West Wickham Leisure Centres.
Ms Liz Waghorn, Jobcentre Plus, reported that November 2015 saw the number of people claiming Job Seekers Allowance in Bromley fall by 650 to 2,070 claimants, creating a 24% reduction in unemployment on the same time last year. The 18-24 year old category had the biggest decrease at 39%, but the 50+ category currently filled a quarter of the register and older workers would be a focus going forward.
Partners were encouraged to engage with Jobcentre Plus for their recruitment. A Disability Confident Event would take place at Bromley Civic Centre on 10th February 2016 which employers were urged to attend. Universal Credits would be rolled out in Bromley on 18th January 2016 which would be beneficial for employers to employ part time staff.
Mr Steve Nelson, South East London Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Chamber was working with the London Chamber of Commerce to provide Borough, South East London and London wide survey results, and that details of forthcoming sector events would be circulated soon.
Mr Mark Henderson, MSE UK, informed the Partnership that his company had now moved from Worsley Bridge Road to premises on Kangley Bridge Road. There were some concerns over parking and traffic on this road which it was possible that changes to the highway or a potential BID might address. MSE UK had recently bid to for a contract with Scottish Blood Transfusion and a response was due in the next few weeks.
Ms Sharon Baldwin, Manager, Orpington 1st BID Company, confirmed that a mystery shopper exercise was recently carried out, and Orpington businesses were keen to hear feedback and receive support. Bella Italia and Dean’s Diner were scheduled to open on 15th February 2016, with the Odeon cinema opening on 26th February 2016 to expand the town centre offer.
Ms Kate Miller, General Manager, intu Bromley, reported that it had been a good Christmas for the shopping centre, with footfall up 3% on December 2014. New tenants such as Jo Malone and Fat Face had been positive about their Christmas trading. Five more potential tenants were due to open in July 2016 with shop fitting starting in March 2016.
RESOLVED that the updates be noted.