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 →
Dec
14
Dec
10
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 →
Dec
07
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 →
Dec
04
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 →
Dec
02
This role will support the Senior Insights and Engagement Manager and Project Manager in the delivery of projects and services that support our engagement with members and enhance our streets and spaces. This is a new role that will span the business with lots of opportunities to learn and be... read more →
Nov
26
This is a newly created management role responsible for leading Kingston First’s insight and engagement activities with its members. The post holder will be responsible for commissioning and interpreting insight and research, horizon scanning, and engagement with members and stakeholders. You will be comfortable working in a small ‘hands on’... read more →
Nov
25
We are thrilled to have Kingston's brand new Christmas lights switch on and illuminating the town, and the Christmas trees are up on Clarence Street and in the Market Place. Visitors to the town can enjoy the new lights down Clarence Street and spot one of our new installations, the... read more →
Nov
20
For this week's member spotlight, we caught up with Kelly Melnikova-Rhodes, Clinic Director of Kingston Chiropractic & Wellness Centre on Castle Street. What was your experience of lockdown at Kingston Chiropractic & Wellness Centre? "When we decided to close our doors in March, we did this very reluctantly, as a... read more →
Nov
02
The Prime Minister’s announcement of the four week lockdown, starting on 5 November, will be another devastating blow for so many businesses and the town centre, which was starting to build back confidence after the first lockdown. I have seen and heard from so many businesses and sectors in the... read more →
Oct
23
Kingston First and Kingston Council are calling on the government to extend closing time to 11pm based on feedback from local hospitality businesses who say the extra hour will make a huge difference to their economic viability. The Leader of the Council, Caroline Kerr, has said that the relaxation of... read more →