Building Bromley’s future

By 2030, Bromley aims to be recognised as one of the UK’s most dynamic and desirable investment destinations, defined by resilience, connectivity, and inclusive growth.

This future-focused vision builds on the borough’s sector strengths, strategic location, and a strong partnership model that supports business innovation and community development. From the revitalisation of Bromley Town Centre and expansion of Biggin Hill’s aviation hub, to sustainable housing, infrastructure and digital connectivity upgrades, the borough is laying the groundwork for longterm prosperity.

Sustainability sits at the heart of Bromley’s transformation, with targeted investments in low-carbon infrastructure, low carbon development, and smart transport networks. These initiatives will not only future-proof Bromley’s economy but also position it as a leader in London’s transition to a greener, more resilient urban model.

Bromley is setting a benchmark, where high-skill jobs, strong local ecosystems, and quality of life converge to create a borough ready to lead London’s next economic chapter.

Whether you’re an investor, innovator, developer, or employer, Opportunity Bromley is your entry point to one of London’s most exciting growth stories. With a thriving economy, strategic location, and a council committed to enabling success, now is the time to connect, collaborate, and be part of Bromley’s transformation.

To explore live opportunities and see how your business can grow in Bromley, visit www.opportunitybromley.com or contact the team at enquiries@opportunitybromley.com.

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Kindness of business community boosts charity’s support of people experiencing homelessness

Darek Karwacki,(pronounced: DAH-rek Kar-VAT-skee)

CEO of WSUP (Woolwich Service Users Project), talks to Sarah Dale about the charity’s growth and plans to support even more people across South East London and why he is so grateful for the support of the local business community.

Woolwich Service Users Project – known by its acronym WSUP, pronounced ‘Wassup’ – started as an informal group set up by people in recovery and those accessing drug and alcohol services in Greenwich in 2010 and became a charity in 2017.

It is a safe, inclusive space for guests facing hardship and housing instability to drop in on Mondays, Tuesdays and Saturdays for hot meals, showers and haircuts, and benefit from a clothing bank and laundry service. WSUP offers more than a drop-in service; through strong partnerships with healthcare providers, outreach teams, drug and alcohol services, housing organisations and peer networks, they enable people to improve their health, rebuild relationships and move towards stability.

“We provide a safe space for guests to meet other people and access specialist services,” says Darek Karwacki, who became CEO of WSUP last September and has worked in the homelessness sector for almost 20 years.

“Our ambition is to prevent and ultimately end homelessness within our local community , but we know we can’t do that by ourselves.

“We provide practical and compassionate support to people to rebuild their lives with dignity and stability. We welcome everyone without stigma and ensure that we listen to guests to understand their needs and emotions, thus providing them with information to make informed choices about their next steps.”

“WSUP is a pivot place- where people can land, feel safe, and start turning things around.”

“Our health work takes a pre-treatment approach, focusing on building trust and creating a welcoming environment, even before people are ready to engage in formal treatment.

The team of four is adding a fifth person to the staff in July. The charity is also supported by a bank of 40 volunteers and is actively recruiting to grow the team.

The charity’s strategic priorities for 2025 are:

1. Lived Leadership – The work of WSUP is guided by the voices and experiences of those they support, ensuring services are shaped by what matters most to their community.

2. WSUP to be a good place to work, prioritising the wellbeing and development of staff and volunteers.

3. Increased public presence, including being members of South East London Chamber.

4. Ambition-led funding to pursue grants that align with their values and enables them to grow their services and deepen their commitment to preventing and ending homelessness.

Winning the Health and Wellbeing category at the Royal Borough of Greenwich Business Awards was a huge boost- it showed that our business community recognises the value of local charities like WSUP and the work we do together”

“We know people care about others and we want to establish these local channels of solidarity so people and businesses can support each other ,” adds Darek.

“Local businesses are vital to our existence. We are truly grateful for the wealth of knowledge and skills shared with us to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in South East London. Those business relationships have grown into friendships – now we all stand in solidarity with local people experiencing hardship.”

Last year, the business community provided 10,000 meals to WSUP guestsa real example of the social and solidarity economy in action.

WSUP is building capacity to provide housing support for people in transition. We conducted a feasibility study to evaluate a trauma-informed housing model for unverified survivors of modern slavery, and newly granted refugees at risk of exploitation in Southeast London.

They also plan to open a women-only day in the future as they widen their offering. They are calling on women in business to help create a safe space for women in need.

“The biggest challenge we have is funding and fundraising,” he says.

“It will cost an extra £45,312 a year to open an extra day a week.”

WSUP supports between 40 and 60 guests a day, with their highest record being 90 in a day. Last year, they supported 640 people, with 30 per cent of guests at a high risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness. On average, they welcome three new people each day they are open.On Saturday 20 September, WSUP will launch its new strategy. WSUP will host its first Charity Ball at Charlton House from 6pm till midnight and Chamber members are encouraged to attend.

“I hold optimism for change. My proudest achievement is being part of this caring community and seeing the empathy and kindness in action,” adds Darek, who switches off by spending time in nature either hiking across mountains or offroad motorbiking.

WSUP are the chosen charity of the South East London Chamber of Commerce