Minutes:
The Chairman welcomed the founders of Bromley Buzz, Darren Weale, Zeenat Noorani and Sarah Marsh-Collings, to the meeting to provide an overview of the podcast.
Members were informed that the Bromley Buzz podcast had been providing audio output since 4th August 2021. Its aim was “to lift up and join up Bromley” and had been established as it was considered that other Bromley-wide media was limited.
The podcast discussed all sectors and walks of life – the business sector, which linked closely with the Bromley Economic Partnership, was a regular feature and had focussed on Start Up Bromley, the Bromley Business Hub and local businesses. During recent podcasts, the presenters had spoken with: Carina Lapore, winner of The Apprentice and owner of two local bakeries; local Councillors and the Mayoress and Deputy Mayor of Bromley; as well as members of the general public. Future podcasts would feature three local MPs; the Chief Executive of Bromley Council; the President of Blackheath and Bromley Harriers; the El-Emaan Centre Mosque, Keston; the lead for the Council’s Loneliness Strategy; and, with the help of the Churchill Theatres, interviews had been arranged with Kevin Clifton and Danny John-Jules.
The Bromley Buzz podcast was available via 7 listening channels (Podbean, Spotify, Apple, Tune In, Amazon, Audible and Listen Notes) and 4 social media channels, so far (LinkedIn page, Twitter (225 followers), Facebook and Instagram (297 followers)). It was highlighted that there had been 732 full downloads from Podbean, 162 of which had taken place in the last 30 days. To date, 27 episodes of the podcast had been produced which included 54 interviews.
It was highlighted that Bromley Buzz was also promoting Bromley outside the borough. Mr Weale advised that the following day he would be speaking on BBC Radio London during Eddie Nestor’s show ‘Trends at Twelve Twelve-ish’, and features on the podcast would be included in Startups magazine online; Enterprise Nation online; and the Federation of Small Business magazine.
The next steps for the Bromley Buzz podcast would include a ‘tour of Bromley’ to widen content further – they wanted to continue to improve output and increase the audience. It was note that other things, such as creating a website and holding events, would be subject to income. The team were looking to arrange a communications partnership meeting and have greater interaction with the Council.
Sarah Marsh-Collings emphasised that the Bromley Buzz podcast looked to promote the whole borough, reminding people that Bromley was a fantastic place, and it was highlighted that the hosts were doing a great job.
Mr Weale asked Members of the Partnership for their assistance by coming along and talking on the podcast and/or promoting the Bromley Buzz social media links. Several Members said they would be happy to assist Mr Weale, and it was agreed that his contact details would be circulated following the meeting. (ACTION: Clerk)
In response to questions from Christopher Evans, Community Links Bromley, Mr Weale advised that the governance structure was informal – there were three founders, two co-presenters, a local reporter and someone who provided creative support. With regards to its constitution, this was currently a collaboration between In Tune PR, Zeenat Noorani’s coaching company and Sarah Marsh-Collings’ Digital Marketing company, but in time they would be looking for it to become a not-for-profit organisation.
The Chairman suggested that future episodes of the podcast could focus on sports and leisure – as well as there being a number of high-profile sports stars, there were also a variety of great sports clubs within the borough. Mr Weale agreed, and advised that two football clubs had recently been featured on the podcast. Norman Park and Blackheath and Bromley Harriers would feature in future podcasts, and they would be looking to include disabled and Paralympic sports and athletes.
The Chairman thanked Darren Weale for his presentation to the Partnership, which is attached at Appendix A. Further information was available via the following links:
Podcast – https://bromleybuzz.podbean.com
Social media:
Instagram – www.instagram.com/bromleybuzz
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/company/bromley-buzz
Twitter – https://twitter.com/BromleyBuzz - @BromleyBuzz
Facebook – www.facebook.com/Bromley-Buzz-109258504810625
RESOLVED that the presentation be noted.