A new business lounge to support entrepreneurs and businesses across the borough has now opened in Biggin Hill library.
This is the third business lounge to successfully open as part of the Start Up Bromley initiative, following launches in Bromley and Orpington libraries in May and June respectively, which both continue to provide invaluable support to local businesses.
Libraries are ideally located across the borough to support the business community as the local economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The £120k initiative provides state of the art IT equipment and sound-proofed office and meeting spaces.
“As we continue to recover from the pandemic, this exciting initiative is helping to build on the support provided to Bromley businesses through a series of business support grants this year, which are helping our businesses to grow and demonstrate that our borough is very much open for business”, said Councillor Morgan, Chairman of the Bromley Economic Partnership and Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing.
Councillor Gray, Small Business Champion and Executive Assistant for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said, “Since the pandemic, more of us, including small businesses, are adapting how and where we work. The new business lounges offer a free professional and flexible workspace in prime town centre locations, providing a boost for the business community. Entrepreneurs seeking advice to turn their passions into successful new businesses will also benefit from the support and advice available.”
The Start Up Bromley initiative, managed by GLL, the council’s library operator, in partnership with the Business and IP Centre Network at the British Library, offers specialist facilities and support in town centre spaces.
Diana Edmonds MBE the National Director of Libraries at charitable social enterprise GLL said, “Libraries are for everyone including the business community and we are proud that we have been able to roll out this project quickly to help new businesses recover from the pandemic. We have been pleased with the feedback we have received so far. Through this scheme we are able to offer support and advice services to businesses both online and at all libraries over the coming months.”
Start Up Bromley offers professional workspace for entrepreneurs, along with a practical support package to help develop creative ideas into successful businesses. There are PCs, conference facilities and meeting rooms along with an online package which are all free to use for members of the Start Up Bromley scheme plus one to one advice sessions with a dedicated business support manager, both face to face and online.
Businesses are strongly encouraged to make use of the facilities, which are available free of charge. Membership is easy, simply complete a registration form online and the team will be in touch to activate your membership to give instant access to a free programme of workshops and events relevant to anyone starting a new business, this includes one-to-one advice sessions with the Start Up Bromley Business Manager. There are also unique opportunities to network with other local entrepreneurs through showcase events.
Find out more and register for Start Up Bromley at: www.better.org.uk/start-up-bromley
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- For media enquiries, please contact James George, public affairs, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk