Nov 17

Why Invest in Kingston Town Centre

Leafy Kingston Upon Thames on the banks of the River Thames,  is one of the UK’s leading retail centres and arguably one of the strongest High Street shopping destinations within the M25 outside of Central London. One of only 6 Royal boroughs in England and Wales, and boasting culture and... read more →
  • November 17, 2025
Nov 10
Nov 10

Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund Returns For Its Third Year With £30,000 To Support Local Businesses and The Town

Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), has announced the return of its Town Centre Community Fund for a third consecutive year - offering £30,000 to support projects and initiatives that have a positive impact to Kingston’s businesses, community, and visitors. The Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund... read more →
  • November 10, 2025
Oct 16

The Important Role of BID’s In The London Growth Plan

Kirsten Henly our chief Executive recently did a blog for the South London partnership, a cross-political party sub-regional collaboration of five London boroughs:  Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton that champions and seeks to build on the many strengths of South London as a place... read more →
  • October 16, 2025
Jul 21

Vacant Units in Kingston Town Centre

Consumers put a high priority on vacancy in the town centre, more than 40% of visitors in our visitor research in 2023 said they would visit more often if there were less empty shops. There is a perception that Kingston Town Centre has a high proportion of vacant units, but... read more →
  • July 21, 2025
Apr 02

Update | New investment to connect local refugees with employment opportunities in Kingston town centre announced

Kingston First, the town centre’s Business Improvement District (BID), has announced Refugee Action Kingston’s (RAK) Employment Hub, will receive £11,250 of funding to provide vital employment and volunteering opportunities for refugees through partnerships with Kingston’s local businesses. The funding is part of Kingston First’s Town Centre Community Fund which aims... read more →
  • April 2, 2025
Feb 12

Update | Response to Mayors Police & Crime Plan

Response to Police and Crime Plan 2025-2029  Who we are  Kingston First is a business improvement district (BID) which operates within Kingston town centre. Set up in accordance with the Local Government Act 2003, we are a not-for-prof company, limited by guarantee and principally funded by a levy from businesses... read more →
  • February 12, 2025
Jan 29

Blog | Homelessness in Kingston – A Complex Issue

We know that homelessness in Kingston is a concern for many of you, as it is for us. Homelessness is a complex issue, with no easy answers, but there is work going on in Kingston to help those who end up on the street. It’s not always very visible, so... read more →
  • January 29, 2025
Jan 16

Update | New Kingston Christmas Tender Opportunity

Are you or someone in your network skilled in creating unforgettable events and experiences that leave a lasting impression and keep people coming back for more? If that sounds like you, keep reading... We’re thrilled to share an exciting opportunity to collaborate with us on designing and delivering unique,... read more →
  • January 16, 2025
Nov 11

Update | Have a Nutcracking time in Kingston this Christmas

Kingston First, the town’s Business Improvement District, have organised a wide range of family activities and festive entertainment in Kingston town centre this Christmas! Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First said: “We’re excited to welcome everyone to Kingston this Christmas for an unforgettable festive season. This year’s celebration is... read more →
  • November 11, 2024
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