On this occasion, please could partners notify the clerk by emailing joanne.partridge@bromley.gov.uk if you wish to speak about something relevant to the group or a joint working opportunity.
Please note that any updates should be no longer than two minutes.
Minutes:
Members of the Partnership had undertaken a range of activities since the last meeting.
Elena Diaconescu – Bromley Adult Education College advised Members that they had been working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus to offer employment and training support. These programmes were referral based and the workshops were not readily available elsewhere – examples included a series of onsite, and online, workshops being provided to those clients who wished to set up a new business or become self-employed. The College was working with clients of Jobcentre Plus to review and improve their skills in the job market. These workshops focussed on skills that could be acquired immediately and put to good use, such as the skills needed to perform well in an online job interview.
Digital drop-in sessions were also held for residents within the Borough who would like to update their CV’s, or start them from scratch, and improve their job search skills. Courses on basic skills for English, Maths and language (specifically English for Speakers of Other Languages) were also held and provided a route to improving skills and becoming ready for employment. Further information on these courses could be accessed via the following link:
https://baec.ac.uk/index.php/employment-support/
Chandra Sharma attended the meeting representing the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). The FSB had been working closely with the Rotary Clubs in the Borough to deliver workshops to help people with writing CVs and interview techniques. A round table discussion with Sir Bob Neill MP was being arranged for 21st May 2021 – any Members wishing to attend were asked to contact Mr Sharma directly. An online webinar would be held the following day on ‘How is Brexit Impacting Your Business?’, and two virtual networking events were held each month for Orpington and Bromley.
Mr Sharma highlighted that he considered that all communications issued by the Local Authority, including rates bills and newsletters, reference should be made to business, with residents encouraged to support their local businesses.
Donald Mars – Jobcentre Plus informed Members that the criteria of the Kickstart scheme had changed, whereby employers could have a smaller number of people aiming to start. The scheme was aimed at those aged 18-24 years and for employers in the Borough who were looking to take on one or two young people to work in their organisation, the government would pay their wages for the first six months.
Helen McIntosh – South East London Chamber of Commerce (SELCC) advised Members that, at the request of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the SELCC had been officially asked to form a new Chamber in Croydon.
Katy Woolcott – London Biggin Hill Airport (LBHA) highlighted that legally only essential travel was currently permitted. LBHA had recruited five new apprentices; a Customer Sustainability Manager; a Head of Technical Services; an Assistant for HR, PR and Business Development. Bombardier had also recruited 16 new apprentices in January 2021. The Bombardier development, which was just under 250,000 sq. ft., was continuing well and it was anticipated that it would be competed ahead of target (April 2022). Essential repairs and investment were being made into the infrastructure of the airport’s taxiway and planning consent had been implemented for the 56-bed hotel development which would create additional jobs in the future.
The policy of LBHA, during the pandemic and going forward, was to protect the business, jobs, and each other. The airport’s turnover had been reduced by the impact of the pandemic, however they were “keeping their head above water”. There had been disappointment as LBHA had been excluded from claiming business rates relief, as a requirement had been to have at least 12 scheduled aircraft movements during the previous year. LBHA was currently making preparations for 17th May 2021 to ensure the correct staffing levels were in place for the business that would hopefully be coming their way.
Mike Lewis – Michael Rogers LLP was pleased to advise Members that the commercial property market was now back to normal levels with enquiries being received and inspections being undertaken. An occupier would shortly be signing a contract for 20,000 sq. ft. of space at Threadneedle – T Building (formerly Wren Court) and there was also interest in the other two large floors. As a result, the quoting rent had been increased to £35 per sq. ft., which was a record-breaking figure. A big marketing push was also about to commence for the new scheme on Elmfield Road, and discussions were already taking place with a couple of potential tenants.
Louise Wolsey – London South East Colleges extended her thanks to both the Local Authority and Community Links Bromley for their phenomenal effort in assisting the College at the beginning of term to establish the testing procedures for the safe return to campus. The Chairman echoed this and extended his thanks to all the volunteers who had provided assistance throughout the pandemic.
Lee Thomas – Fairlight Group said that enquiries for flexible workspace had increased dramatically and spaces were relatively full. A number of businesses were still struggling; however, they were feeling positive for the future.
Sharon Baldwin – Orpington 1st BID Company was unable to attend the meeting, but provided the following written update:
‘In Orpington, the reopening of non-essential retail and outdoor hospitality has begun well with businesses providing COVID-secure services and customers responding positively to the guidance and coming out in increasing numbers to support local businesses.’
RESOLVED that the update be noted.