Mr Lee Thomas, Fairlight Group said that residential developments had been busy, but it was a difficult trading market. In the commercial market it had been difficult to purchase freehold properties. The latest property they had refurbishment had been completed in three months, and would officially open on 1^st November 2018. A third of the space was already occupied, which highlighted how high the demand was.

Mr Dave Freeborn, Proctors informed members that sales of residential land had been quiet, due to lack of confidence in the market.

Ms Carol Arnfield - LBB Head of Service for Early Years, Schools Standards and Adult Education advised members of the Partnership that there had been a good start with enrolments into Adult Education. There was a high demand for ‘English for Speakers of Other Languages’, and more tutors were needed for this course. Last year, learners had to be turned away during the summer term as funding targets had already been met, so it was hoped that additional funding could be requested this year. The Adult Education Centres in Poverest and Penge were full the majority of the time, and courses were also delivered in schools, residential care homes and other community venues. It was noted that demand for places was outstripping supply.

Mr Michael Humphries, Handelsbanken echoed comments made by other members, with regards to market trends. The residential market was currently quiet, and in the commercial market it was difficult to find properties of the size required.

Mr Chandra Sharma attended the meeting representing the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB were asking for support for their campaign to increase the threshold for the paying of Business Rates from £12,000 rateable value to £15,000 rateable value. There were currently 7,318 businesses in Bromley, of which 3,725 were under current threshold of £12,000 rateable value, and 638 Businesses would be brought in under the proposed threshold of £15,000. The FSB were also campaigning for no inflationary increases in Business Rates for 2019, plus a £1,000 discount for all shops to help the High Streets, and would be actively promoting Small Business Rate relief to small businesses. The FSB would be meeting with the Chairman of the Bromley Economic Partnership and the Leader of the Council on 28^th November 2018 to discuss a range of issues.

Mr Sharma informed members that a new lunchtime ‘Curry & Networking’ event would be launched in Orpington the following month, and it was hoped that this could be replicated in other towns. The FSB were requesting that no parking meters be installed without consultation with local businesses, and were calling for 15-20 minutes of free parking to be allowed for people to make quick visits to shops. Small Business Saturday would be taking place on 1^st December 2018.

Mr Mark Evans, Westgate Cleaning Services Ltd informed members that his business had been established in Bromley for sixteen years, and now employed around 400 members of staff. They delivered contracts for 50 schools, offices and medical centres.

Mr Mike Foxhall, Barclays Bank PLC advise members that the requirement for people depositing cash at the bank to have identification would go live for businesses from mid-November 2018. Ms Melanie Ross, Barclays Bank PLC said that there was a shortage of commercial properties and she had recently received three requests for industrial premises, which she was currently trying to locate. Barclays Bank PLC would be holding a ‘Cyber Clinic’ at Farringdon School, 6.00pm-8.00pm on Thursday 8^th November 2018.

Ms Ross advised members that the Bromley Community Fund would be holding the annual sleep-out in the Church Yard on Friday 16^th November 2018.

RESOLVED that the updates be noted.