Jan 05

New lockdown grants and further financial support for businesses

The news of rising numbers of COVID infections across the country and increased restrictions are a sobering start to the New Year. Last night’s announcement by the Prime Minister outlined a new national lockdown which will be reviewed by the government on 15th February. Government support is crucial for the survival of... read more →
  • January 5, 2021
Dec 21

Kingston moves to Tier 4 restrictions as of Sunday 20 December

Over the weekend, you will have seen the further devastating news announced by the government that Kingston has moved to Tier 4 as of Sunday 20 December. All non-essential retail will have to close, including shops, hairdressers, barbers, nail bars and indoor entertainment venues. Further information can be found on... read more →
  • December 21, 2020
Dec 18

Blog | Member Spotlight | Nationwide | December 2020

For our recent Member Spotlight feature, we caught up with Michael Belli, Senior Branch Manager at Nationwide on Eden Street, as he looks back on how they've adapted their services over the pandemic to continue helping their members while keeping everyone safe. "Over the three years I have worked at... read more →
  • December 18, 2020
Dec 18
Kirsten

Message from Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive

As we enter the last few weeks of an incredibly difficult year and with this week’s news about Kingston entering Tier 3 restrictions, I wanted to say a few words about resilience and the New Year. It goes without saying that Covid-19 has touched all of our lives and businesses,... read more →
  • December 18, 2020
Dec 16

Kingston First featured on BBC London News

We were delighted to have Kingston town centre featured on BBC London News on Tuesday 15 December, with our Christmas tree and lights creating a fantastic backdrop. Kingston First's Chief Executive, Kirsten Henly, discussed the impact of the impending Tier 3 restrictions on Kingston’s businesses and town centre footfall, highlighting... read more →
  • December 16, 2020
Dec 14

Kingston to move to Tier 3 restrictions from Wednesday 16 December

The government has confirmed today that London, including Kingston, will move to Tier 3 level restrictions at 00.01 Wednesday 16 December. This means: All hospitality venues, including pubs, restaurants and cafes will have to close from Wednesday. They can stay open for takeaway and deliveries only People can only mix... read more →
  • December 14, 2020
Dec 14
Rose theatre

Blog | Member Spotlight | Rose Theatre | December 2020

For our recent Member Spotlight feature, we heard from Robert O'Dowd, Chief Executive of the Rose Theatre, as they reopened their doors after lockdown and looked ahead to planned shows over the Christmas period. This piece was written before Tier 3 restrictions were announced. "The Rose is one of the five... read more →
  • December 14, 2020
Dec 10

Kingston Magical Market AR Trail launches

Kingston First launched its first ever augmented reality trail this week in Kingston town centre. The trail is based on a hidden magical market that can only be seen through the magic of augmented reality technology. Children from across the borough took part in a competition to design characters selling... read more →
  • December 10, 2020
Dec 07

Kingston First supports Small Business Saturday

Saturday 5 December marked Small Business Saturday in the UK. As a town centre with more than it's share of small businesses, Kingston First gave their support to the campaign by encouraging shoppers to keep it local and support small businesses heavily affected by lockdown. "Now more than ever, showing... read more →
  • December 7, 2020
Dec 04

Kingston First unites with business groups to launch Bounce Back Better campaign

Kingston First has joined forces with businesses, other Business Improvement Districts, Local Authorities, destinations and industry bodies across the country to launch the ‘Bounce Back Better’ campaign urging the government to provide extra support for retail, leisure and hospitality businesses, including extending the businesses rates holidays. Read our press release... read more →
  • December 4, 2020
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