Jul 22
Post Office

Blog | Member Spotlight | Post Office | July 2021

For this month's Member Spotlight, we hear from the recently relocated Post Office, who have been under the leadership of the Post Master Siva for almost twenty years! "The Post Master of the Kingston Upon Thames Branch Office Mr A.Sivabalan (Siva) has accrued nearly two decades experience in running the combined Post Office and... read more →
  • July 22, 2021
Jul 13

Reflections on Reopening 2021

On 12th April 2021 (week 15), the government's roadmap out of lockdown kicked off, with the reopening of outdoor hospitality and much positivity from everyone, including the team here at Kingston First! Three months on and we are reflecting on how it has gone. Our reopening campaign was a success,... read more →
  • July 13, 2021
Jun 29

Winning artwork announced for new sculpture trail in the town centre

Seven contemporary sculptures have been selected to be installed in Kingston town centre as part of a new sculpture trail arriving this summer. An open call saw nearly forty submissions from artists from Kingston and beyond to be considered by the sculpture trail selection panel, which included two local students... read more →
  • June 29, 2021
Jun 17

Blog | Member Spotlight | Studio KT1 & Union of Kingston Students | June 2021

For our latest member spotlight we caught up with Claire Selby, Commercial Projects Manager at Kingston University, and Grace Richards, Business Development Manager at the university's Union of Students, who recently opened creative meanwhile space Not My Beautiful House on Fife Road. "It’s been a whirlwind year already for Grace and I -... read more →
  • June 17, 2021
Jun 17

Kingston First embarks on a new project looking to transform vacant units

Did you know? Vacant shops cost London’s economy an estimated £350 million (through loss of business rates, loss of earnings and the subsequent cost of unemployment and job seekers allowance), according to the Greater London Authority.  They can also discourage new investment and create a feeling of neglect putting off consumers from visiting.... read more →
  • June 17, 2021
Jun 14

Restart Grants : A Quick Guide

Restart Grants have been key to a lot of businesses in helping them get on their feet. However, it has been announced that applications for this scheme will cease on 30th June. So if you haven't got your application in yet, we highly recommend you do soon. For more information... read more →
  • June 14, 2021
Jun 14

Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (Fifth Grant)

The government have announced the fifth iteration of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for those who are self-employed or a member of a partnership. These will cover the period of May 2021 - September 2021, and will be open to claims from late July, and official guidance on applying will... read more →
  • June 14, 2021
May 24

Member Research Summary

Our latest round of research with members took place in February and March this year, and was carried out by the research agency Research by Design, by online survey.  All members were invited via email, and 12% responded, from a range of sectors, business size and type. Thank you very... read more →
  • May 24, 2021
May 20
KCIL team

Blog | Member Spotlight | KCIL | May 2021

For our latest member spotlight we caught up with Jason Lamont, CEO of disability charity KCIL, who support hundreds of disabled people across Kingston. "As I was appointed as CEO of KCIL in May 2020 the last year has been one best described as a challenge. Fortunately, the team was already... read more →
  • May 20, 2021
May 18
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