Minutes:
Ms Zoe Brown, Beckenham Together & Penge SE20 informed members that Meerkat Works had recently met with businesses in both Beckenham and Penge with regards to making the BID levy cost neutral.
In Penge, a radio system had been installed in partnership with ShopSafe, which would allow businesses to radio for assistance and quickly share information about shoplifters or anyone causing antisocial behaviour. Work was also underway to part fund defibrillators and tourniquet kits, and provide retailers with training on how to use them. An Easter egg trail would be taking place to draw people into the town, and it was noted that loyalty cards were on the horizon for both Penge and Beckenham town centres.
In Beckenham, work had taken place to meet with local businesses and invite them to the next meeting of the steering group. It was hoped this would be held in the next month or so, and local Councillors would also be invited to attend. Events scheduled to take place included Clock House Celebrates on 13th April 2019 and the Bec Rec festival in the summer. There were two new Board Directors – Matt from Three Hounds Beer Company, located in Clock House and Clayton from Varley & Varley Funeral Directors on Chancery Parade, which were considered to be two outpoints of the BID area.
Ms Frances Forrest, Your Bromley BID Company provided Members with a copy of their annual report, which presented an overview of the activities that had taken place over the last year. Footfall in the town centre was creeping back up, and a summary of footfall by location and week was circulated. It was noted that footfall data was available to levy payers by emailing enquiries@yourbromley.com.
The town centre would shortly see the launch of a campaign encouraging shoppers not to give money directly to beggars, but instead to donate loose change to Bromley Homeless Shelter via special boxes located in stores. This was an attempt to change people’s behaviour, and stop making the high street attractive to beggars. The first phase of the ‘Bromley Parking App’ would also be launching and would provide shoppers with advice as to which car park was nearest to their destination. It would also give users information on the charges and facilities available, and it was hoped it would help ease congestion in the car parks.
Upcoming events included an Easter bunny trail over the two week school holidays in which 31 businesses were participating, and the Food Fest taking place at the end of May / beginning of June 2019 to showcase places to eat and drink in the town centre. A quiz night for employees would also be held to raise money for the Bromley Community Fund.
Mr Mark Haynes, The Glades advised Members that two new retailers would be opening soon. This was extremely positive, however it was noted that retailing was tough at the minute and everything possible should be done to support the retailers. With regards to the two new retail units due to be installed in the High Street, it was felt that there was a need to fill the vacant units that were already there. Good communication had been received from LBB with regards to the public realm works, and it was noted that the area looked greatly improved.
Members highlighted that there were a number of ‘contract sellers’ located on Bromley High Street, and asked if they were monitored. The LBB Town Centre Manager advised that there was a maximum of four ‘contract sellers’ at any one time, who were provided with a license and signed up to the Local Authority’s terms and conditions. Ms Frances Forrest stated that Your Bromley BID Company would be interested in taking this over for Bromley town centre, and it was agreed that this would be looked into.
In response to a question, the Chairman said that the possibility of adding an additional floor to the Civic Centre car park was ongoing. It was noted that the run up to Christmas was when the car parks were at their busiest, and that a ‘Park and Ride’ scheme could be considered for this year.
Ms Sharon Baldwin, Orpington 1st BID Company informed Members that the development of a masterplan for Orpington was hugely significant for them, and would provide lots of opportunities to create a modern and relevant town centre. They had recently hosted a visit from The Deputy Mayor of London for Business, Rajesh Agrawal. The BID team had led a tour around the town centre, visiting start-up businesses and a training centre for apprentice electricians. A lunch was held at the Bake House, and provided an opportunity for sixteen local businesses to have round-table discussion with senior representatives. A follow up meeting would be taking place at City Hall in the next few weeks.
Orpington’s Finest Awards had taken place at the Odeon Cinema the previous week to celebrate and recognise achievements in the town centre, and 200 guests had attended representing 45 organisations. Following this, Orpington 1st BID Company was looking to deliver more conferences at the Odeon venue, including a Dementia Conference on 23rd May 2019 and a police conference for businesses in July 2019. Other upcoming events included an Easter bunny trail and the Enchanted Children’s Festival on 1st June 2019. Jo Johnson MP would also be holding a surgery specifically for businesses on 26th April 2019.
RESOLVED that the recent work around Business Improvement Districts and Business Support in the 4th quarter of 2018/19 be noted.