New support launched to help Bromley businesses grow

‘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 grow and thrive.”

Bromley Council and its delivery partners will be hosting a drop-in event early in the New Year, where businesses can learn more about the different forms of support they can access through Bromley Business Growth.

As part of this support, Goldsmiths, University of London are offering Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) free experts including guidance on topics such as digital transformation, innovation, marketing and social media, through their Growth Builder programme, to help businesses that are looking to expand.

Anthony Crowther, NX Hub Manager at Goldsmiths, University of London, said: “Goldsmiths has worked with SMEs throughout London and the Southeast, and we’re delighted to now be delivering a business growth programme specifically for Bromley’s broad and diverse business ecosystem. Growth Builder will apply our proven approach, combining business and academic expertise to help Bromley businesses grow and prosper. We’ve already helped create jobs and grow turnover for hundreds of businesses, and we’re pleased to be extending our reach and impact to one of London’s most thriving boroughs for business.”

Newable are delivering a separate support programme to help SMEs gain new skills or knowledge, to open up supply chain or procurement opportunities with new buyers, along with access to new markets. This support aims to increase participation in local procurement or supply chains by helping participating businesses secure more contracts, within the borough and beyond.

This Supply Bromley programme will offer bespoke advice on topics such as public sector procurement and decarbonisation plans, alongside exciting networking opportunities.

Malcolm Cohen, Newable Advice Managing Director, said: “Newable are delighted to be working with Bromley Council to deliver the Supply Bromley Programme. This important initiative is aimed at helping Bromley SMEs become ready to supply to local and national buyers, with specific attention to supporting businesses from under-represented and diverse communities. Supply Bromley will provide Bromley businesses with an opportunity to boost their growth and be introduced to live supply chain opportunities. We at Newable are looking forward to helping Bromley SMEs reach their business goals with our experienced team of supply readiness advisers on behalf of Bromley Council.”

These new services will complement existing UKSPF support programmes that can be accessed for free by local businesses. SMEs are able to access online support from the Bromley Business Hub, through SOS Creativity. Further, one-to-one support is available for entrepreneurs and startups from Start-Up Bromley.

Local businesses are also able to access several pan-London support programmes being delivered through UKSPF funding.

Find out more about Bromley Business Growth and available business support.