New support launched to help Bromley businesses grow

New business support programmes are being launched to provide a further boost to small businesses across Bromley, with free expert one-to-one business advice now available.

‘Bromley Business Growth’ will see various forms of free advice and assistance made available to support Bromley businesses, including two new local support services through partners Goldsmiths, University of London and Newable.

This work is being funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), following over £1.6m in grant funding being secured by the council to help make improvements to town centres or high streets and to support local businesses.

Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said:

“Bromley has a strong history of small businesses succeeding and this is greatly encouraged by initiatives like these that provide valuable, targeted support through our delivery partners. This is a welcome addition to the existing support that we have been delivering, especially since the pandemic. We are keen to keep expanding this, as I know many local entrepreneurs and SMEs grasp such services to help their businesses to grow and thrive.”

Delivered by Goldsmiths, University of London, the Growth Builder programme offers free expert advice to local SMEs looking to expand. The programme is designed to build SMEs’ confidence and capacity, helping to establish a clear route to growth and sustainability. It includes guidance on topics such as digital transformation, innovation, strategic marketing and social media.

Newable’s Supply Bromley programme aims to help SMEs gain the skills and knowledge needed to access supply chain or procurement opportunities with new buyers, and access new markets within the borough and beyond. It also helps SMEs understand public sector procurement through bespoke advice from expert business advisers, alongside the opportunity to meet new potential buyers at exclusive 'Meet the Buyer' events.

These new services complement existing services that have been brought under the Bromley Business Growth umbrella. Start Up Bromley is a business support programme operating through Bromley libraries providing a range of free services including workshops, training events and one-to-ones. The Bromley Business Hub, delivered by SOS Creativity, is a one-stop-shop offering SMEs information on a wide range of areas such as accountancy, sales and grant funding. Local businesses are also able to access a number of pan-London support programmes delivered through UKSPF funding.

To mark the launch of Bromley Business Growth, Bromley Council is hosting a launch and networking event on 30 January to allow businesses to find out more about the free support available.

Local SMEs and entrepreneurs are invited to this drop-in event at Bromley Central Library where they can attend scheduled talks and presentations from Start Up Bromley, SOS Creativity, Grow London Local, London South East Colleges, Newable and Goldsmiths, University of London.

There will also be time for networking and browsing display stands from delivery partners where businesses will be able to ask questions and learn more about the support on offer. This includes displays from some of Bromley Council's service teams, such as the Economic Development, Regeneration, and Procurement teams, in addition to giving businesses the opportunity to speak directly to the teams who oversee licensing and business rates.

The event is taking place on 30 January from 10:30 – 14:30 at Bromley Central Library, with free refreshments on offer.

To find out more about the support available through Bromley Business Growth or the launch and networking event on 30 January, visit bromley.gov.uk/BromleyBusinessGrowth.