Borough Business Jan 25

Welcome

to Borough BUSINESS

The Kingston Chamber of Commerce magazine for all Businesses in Kingston

The Chamber has worked hard to meet and surpass the demands of 2024. We have hosted 51 diverse events this year that welcomed just over 2,000 attendees from across our borough.

Just a few of the highlights for me; the Future of Work Summit in the summer explored culture in Kingston and the role of effective leadership. The 2024 Kingston Borough Business Awards reached a broader business audience with record number of entries and provided a richness and diversity of winners. The inaugural Women In Business Forum was well received and for the first time we partnered with Merton Chamber of Commerce to host a joint south London business EXPO24 in October.

In September, with support from BIG South London, we held an AI in Action workshop that delivered a real-time and interactive session on the basics of AI programmes.

The Chamber has been running a comprehensive Go Business support programme for local businesses which has been funded by Kingston Council, UK Government and the Mayor of London. By utilising specialised speakers, this programme has delivered an impressive depth of expertise to many local businesses.

Keen to capture the thoughts and feedback from local businesses, the Chamber carried out a comprehensive business survey during the Autumn: ‘How is our borough working’. This feedback included helpful information on

business health, skills and employment, transport and sustainability. In the light of the October budget, we will be launching another survey to hear directly how this has impacted the local economy.

Our Patrons are highly valued and key partners in the growth and resilience of the local business economy. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Patron membership has enabled us to maintain cost-effective membership fees and provide additional support to small and micro businesses. Thank you for your commitment and belief in the Kingston business community.

I would like to thank our wonderful business membership for their energies in 2024, They have contributed to the dialogue on future skills, sustainability, innovations in technology, neurodiversity, leadership, education, mental health, the broader community and work-life balance.

Finally, I want to thank the Chamber team of Ilona and Robyn for their dedicated and amazing work this year. It is a pleasure to work with them and I appreciate their support and guidance.

As the year begins, I wish you all the very best and I hope you achieve your big or small dreams!

Forbes Low CEO Kingston Chamber of Commerce forbes@kingstonchamber.co.uk

Editorial and General Enquiries

Guildhall, High Street Kingston upon Thames. KT1 1EU. 020 8541 4441

Email: office@kingstonchamber.co.uk

Web: www.kingstonchamber.co.uk

Chief Executive: Forbes Low

Publisher: Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141

Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com

Published January 2025 © Benham Publishing and Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Advertising and Features

Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141

Email: karen@benhampublishing.com

Design David Wright Tel: 0151 236 4141

Email: dave@benhampublishing.com

Media No. 2033

Disclaimer

Borough Business is published for Kingston Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without charge to Chamber members. All correspondence should be addressed to Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Views or any political comments expressed in Borough Business are not necessarily those of Kingston Chamber of Commerce which is apolitical. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2025. Please note that submitting an article does not guarantee publication. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of material published in this journal, Benham Publishing and its agents can accept no responsibility for the veracity of claims made by contributions in advertising or editorial content. Benham Publishing cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in web or email links supplied to us.

Porter the Sorter

Ask our resident HR expert, Sandra Porter of The HR Dept for advice on your workplace worries.

The Wise Business Owner Checklist

Benjamin Franklin famously advised, "Fail to prepare, prepare to fail." January is often the time for business owners to prepare for the year ahead by refreshing their business plans, to seize opportunities and mitigate risks. With 2025 set to be as fast-paced, volatile, and challenging as ever, taking a moment to review your employment basics is essential for any wise business owner.

I am proud to be the President of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce. It is an honour to help encourage and create opportunities for local businesses.

Here’s a checklist to ensure you have the foundational employment practices in place:

Strategy Communication: Ensure your business strategy is clearly communicated to the team.

Updated Employment Contracts: Verify that all employment contracts are current and compliant.

Current Employee Handbook: Keep the employee handbook up to date with the latest policies.

Job Descriptions: Provide clear job descriptions for every role.

Mandatory eLearning: Implement eLearning modules for mandatory training.

Managerial Training: Offer essential training programs for managers.

Performance Reviews:

Conduct regular performance reviews and appraisals.

Electronic Employee Files:

Maintain electronic files for all employees.

Wage Increase Budget:

Allocate a budget for wage increases effective from April.

Engagement Surveys and Exit Interviews: Regularly conduct employee engagement surveys and exit interviews.

Having these foundational practices in place is crucial to optimizing business success. As part of your business planning process, review this list, identify areas for improvement, and make a plan to implement necessary changes promptly.

If you have questions for Porter the Sorter, email hrhelp@hrdept.co.uk for consideration for future editions.

The HR Dept provides outsourced HR services to support local SMEs with their people issues and strategy. For advice on employment practices or to schedule a free HR consultation, please call 0345 208 1290. Always seek employment law advice regarding management of your people issues to ensure that you and your business are well protected from potential litigation risks.

Some years ago, I was part of a small team that decided to take the Kingston Borough Business Awards in-house. With the backing of Kingston University, The Council, Kingston College and our Patron Members, Forbes and the Chamber team got to work. Four years, later, we have established one of the most exciting and innovative business awards in London.

I urge all businesses, large or small to enter the 2025 awards. The publicity and confidence boost experienced by winners and runners-up is immense.

I know that the real benefit of the awards is that by entering, you will realise what makes your business unique. Taking an objective look at your strengths and weaknesses is often the catalyst for growth and a brighter business future!

Please enter the awards, I promise you that there will be a category to suit you.

In the meantime, have a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Christopher Hirsch President, Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Welcome to our new members

The Cheeky Pea

Tal Maginelle

www.thecheekypeacatering.co.uk

Optimum Health Screening

Joe Slimani www.optimumhealthscreening.com

People Champions Coaching Duncan Butters www.peoplechampions.co.uk

HNP Consulting Joseph Hennessy joe.ds.hennessy@gmail.com

South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust

Dave Moore www.swlstg.nhs.uk

Phil Goodall Coaching & Consultancy Ltd

Phil Goodall www.philgoodall.com

KONCEPT Medical Clinic

Maryam Attar-Zadeh www.konceptmedicalclinic.com

The Plough and Harrow

Lukas Ackermann

www.ploughandharrowlongditton.com

The Femalepreneur Coach Ltd

Rebecca Barr

www.thefemalepreneurcoach.co.uk

Gricore Ltd

Bilal Uslu

www.gricore.com

AICA London

Evrim Soner www.aica.london

Consultant

Elizabeth Clarke linkedin.com/in/lizclarke21

Arda Trend LTD

Ezgi BICER UCAR www.instagram.com/ardatrendofficial

Eurosun Science Limited

Dr. Elizabeth King www.eurosunscience.com

Reasons to join...

Nancy G. Investment Company Ltd

Nancy Gao 95625652lg@gmail.com

BKKB Ltd bozena botul www.bkkb.uk

Bloomin' Marvellous Ryan Pembroke www.bloomin-marvellous.com

studio elle architecture elle bytautaite www.studioellearchitecture.com

The Camera Confidence Company Adam Woods www.cameraconfidence.co.uk

A Touch of Colour Decorators Ltd Terry Anderson www.atouchofcolour.co.uk

Town Square Kingston Ryan Gough www.townsqkingston.co.uk

IQ in IT: Driving growth, enhancing security, and supporting business success

We’re excited to share the latest updates from our team at IQ in IT. Our mission to support businesses with cutting-edge technology and security solutions continues to evolve, and we’re proud to highlight some key developments.

Helping Businesses Achieve Cyber Essentials Certification

More businesses are recognising the importance of Cyber Essentials certification for compliance and securing contracts. As an accreditation body and Cyber Essentials consultants, we’ve been helping many organisations enhance their security posture, giving them a competitive edge in winning more business.

Focused on Leadership and Growth

In September, our leadership team participated in the EOS Ninety Conference in London, gaining valuable insights to drive our company’s growth. This event has equipped us with fresh strategies to better support the businesses we work with and strengthen our internal processes.

Driving Efficiency Through Automation

We are increasingly helping clients improve efficiency by implementing automation.

Reducing administrative tasks and streamlining operations is a big focus for us, enabling businesses to save time and boost profits. These solutions are not just about technology—they’re about making day-to-day operations smoother and more rewarding for our clients.

Popular Free IT & Security Reviews

Our free IT & Security reviews have been a hit with businesses looking to understand their current systems and security. These sessions with our expert team provide valuable insights to help companies plan their next steps and ensure they’re prepared for the future.

Grateful for Chamber of Commerce Support

Lastly, we extend our thanks to the Kingston Chamber of Commerce for their invaluable support. Being part of such a vibrant business community is a privilege, and we’re excited to attend future Chamber events to connect with other businesses and continue to grow together.

Thank you for being part of our journey as we continue to empower businesses with innovative IT solutions and exceptional support.

Website: iqinit.uk | Email: team@iqinit.uk Telephone: 0330 1224 420

Businesses explore how to onboard a new GenAI employee

AI has been around for many years now but with the rise of well known agents like ChatGPT and Claude, the new Generative AI (GenAI) offers businesses the opportunity to create new, original content with human-like intelligence.

In November, Kingston Council partnered with Kingston University and Unilever UK to deliver a deep dive session on how, in an increasingly AIdriven society, large employers are adopting GenAI into their organisation's strategy and empowering employees to use it ethically and innovatively. The session included an in depth case study by Unilever UK showcasing how they are leading the way in adopting artificial intelligence and digital

technologies into its operations. The event gave attendees key insights into how AI is playing a significant role in Unilever’s efforts to develop faster and smarter ways of working and innovating.

It also looked at the challenges Unilever faced in boosting employee engagement amid rapid digital transformation and how they are initiating training programs that equip staff with the skills to leverage GenAI effectively. Not only bridging the gap between technology and human capability but also empowering employees to become active participants in their development and removing the fears and perceived threats associated with GenAI adoption.

Discussions therefore focused on how leaders not only get to grips with the technical advances that AI can offer but also how they manage GenAI as an additional ‘employee’ in the workplace, ensuring it is managed and integrated within teams and that regulation and good practice systems are in place to guide its use.

As a borough, we are keen to support employers to maximise on the potential for AI through knowledge sharing both from each other as well as with support from our Higher Education partners. We will continue this into 2025 and share best practice with our wider business community, if you have any thoughts on this or would like to hear more about the project get in touch at business@kingston.gov.uk

Engage with the professionals

Navigating the complexities of obtaining a Grant of Probate can be daunting, especially during an emotionally challenging time. While it's possible to handle the process independently, there are compelling reasons to engage a professional. Here’s why Pearson Hards can assist effectively.

Summers-Inman:

A

Expertise in Legal Matters - One primary advantage of hiring a professional is their expertise in probate law. Our team possesses extensive knowledge about relevant legislation, procedures, and potential pitfalls. We ensure all necessary documents are correctly completed and submitted on time, reducing the risk of delays or rejections. We accurately value assets, handle complex situations like debts, and navigate disputes among beneficiaries, addressing potential issues proactively.

Reducing Stress - Dealing with a loved one’s death is inherently stressful. Engaging a professional can alleviate some of this stress by handling this on your behalf. We manage paperwork and act as intermediaries between you and other parties involved in the probate process, significantly reducing your workload and providing peace of mind.

Ensuring Compliance with Legal Requirements

The probate process involves strict compliance with various legal requirements. We ensure all actions taken during probate comply with current laws and regulations, protecting executors from personal liability arising from errors made during administration.

Quarter of growth, responsibility, and community impact

In the lead-up to the festive season, Summers-Inman reflects on a quarter that underscores our commitment to excellence and social responsibility.

Our professional services have reached new heights, particularly in Community Diagnostic Centres, where we have been consistently delivering comprehensive Project Management, Quantity Surveying, and Employer's Agent services.

A key milestone this quarter was the successful completion of Winchmore Secondary School project for London Borough of Enfield. Our Building Surveyor and BSA (Building Safety Act) Principal Designer services exemplified our technical expertise and precision. Furthermore, successful completions of DXR and MRI projects at Sheppey Community Hospital and Naas General Hospital are noteworthy.

Recognising the importance of continuous learning and development, we have implemented targeted staff training sessions focusing on critical areas such as Health & Safety, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond professional boundaries. We recently volunteered at Surbiton High School's career fair, engaging with Years 10-13 students to provide insights into the construction industry. Moreover, our office was abuzz with more than just caffeine

as we hosted the Macmillan Coffee Morning, bringing our team together for a salient cause and contributing to support cancer-affected individuals and families. Additionally, we engaged with local businesses through the networking events hosted by Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

These achievements reflect our holistic approach for delivering top-tier professional services while maintaining a strong sense of community and social consciousness.

Handling Complex Estates Some estates are more complicated due to factors like multiple properties, business interests, international assets, or contentious family dynamics. We can deal with all of this on your behalf.

Cost-Effectiveness Over Time While hiring a professional incurs costs, this investment can save money in the long run by preventing costly mistakes. We also save your time, which could be better spent elsewhere.

Engaging professionals when obtaining a Grant of Probate offers numerous advantages, from expertise in navigating complex legal frameworks to providing emotional support. Their role is crucial in ensuring compliance with laws while minimizing stress associated with managing an estate. Enlisting professional help often proves beneficial both practically and emotionally.

To speak to our team, email Gemma Hughes at ghughes@pearsonhards.co.uk, Nicky Smith at nsmith@pearsonhards.co.uk, or Claire-Louise Smith at clsmith@pearsonhards.co.uk. Call us on 0208 949 9500 for a no-obligation conversation.

Festive days at Riverside Walk

The team at Riverside Walk have been working away on some exciting new Christmas decorations this Winter.

We’re sure you’ll have noticed our giant Santa’s legs and chimney atop Riverside Walk/ Bishops Place house, along with our reindeer wrap and 12 days of Christmas countdown. Be sure to stop by the undercroft between Cote and The Bishop pub to see our new bespoke animation commission with StudioKT1 and their super-talented student, Jadwiga Ligeza. The piece is a real celebration of our wonderful town.

We are also working away on plans to deliver a temporary rooftop venue for 2025 so do keep abreast of our social media channels for more on this soon.

Gemma Hughes

Update from MB Associates

In the ever-changing mortgage market, with many people bamboozled by the base rate going down and mortgage rates going up, the MB Associates team has been providing clients with detailed and valuable advice amid these fluctuations.

Our team always ensures a personalised approach, offering insights on market trends and their impact on our clients. We’re always at the end of the phone and we send out regular market updates in our monthly newsletter to demystify what’s going on and what it means for our clients.

Excitingly, we have partnered with Feefo for their Treefo initiative, pledging to plant a tree for every review received. This collaboration aims to promote sustainability and make a positive environmental impact.

We are also proud to announce that our founder Monica Bradley has won the Business Ally Award at the recent Barclays DEI Awards ceremony. This recognition showcases her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the business world. Aside from offering bespoke advice and support to our clients on residential mortgages, we’re also growing and building the foundations of our sister company, MB Commercial, which we launched earlier this year. MB Commercial is here to provide tailored lending solutions to business owners, investors and entrepreneurs. We offer a range of different loans, including bridging loans, semi-commercial and commercial investment. For more information, visit https://mbcommercial.net/

Kingston University celebrates 20 years of Bright Ideas entrepreneurial competition

Kingston University’s award-winning enterprise programme Bright Ideas marked its twentieth anniversary at an event which saw former winners, staff, students, alumni and businesses celebrate two decades of innovation, entrepreneurship and success.

The initiative provides a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, pitch to experienced business representatives and turn their ideas into reality. The event celebrated the achievements of all students and graduates who have been a part of the programme with speeches from academics, business leaders and returning Bright Ideas alumni. Launched in 2004, Bright Ideas was the brainchild of Head of Enterprise Education Dr Martha Mador and has helped hundreds of students start their own businesses since its inception. Those taking part in the competition receive support and advice from businesses on their ideas and learn how to pitch to potential investors.

Dr Mador said she was proud of the way the programme had grown over 20 years. “It’s been a fantastic journey as we’ve grown the programme from just a few students being interested in entrepreneurship to having 800-900 apply each year. To be a part of so many student’s journeys in learning about the skills they need to launch a business is truly humbling.”

Registered nurse and CEO of Neo-Innovations UK Ltd, Neomi Bennett BEM completed her nursing degree at Kingston in 2012 and won the Bright Ideas competition in 2011 for her invention of the multi-award-winning Neo-slip, a life-saving product that aids the application of hospital stockings.

The entrepreneur, who founded Equality 4 Black Nurses, was part of a Q&A panel at the event and discussed her experience of the Bright Ideas programme. “The knowledge and experience I gained while on the programme was second to none and the courage I gained from the whole experience has really helped me progress professionally.”

Attendees also heard how Kingston’s sectorleading Future Skills programme is preparing students for a digital-first world by equipping them with nine key graduate attributes businesses value. Almost 1,000 volunteers and businesses have helped support enterprise education and Bright Ideas at the University over the years, including Santander Universities, Lebara and Salutem Care and Education.

Maximise your Apprenticeship Levy: Invest in the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA)

Did you know you can use your Apprenticeship Levy to fully fund the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) for your staff? This is a fantastic way to develop your team’s professional skills while making the most of your levy contributions.

Starting in early 2025 at Kingston College, the CMDA provides your employees with a recognised

management degree, equipping them with leadership and strategic skills tailored to meet the demands of modern management.

Gus, pictured, recently graduated with Distinction and is now Business Development Lead - UK & Asia, Private Patients at Guy’s & St Thomas’s Hospital. Gus says that taking the CMDA has significantly influenced his professional development, enhanced his workplace effectiveness and delivered measurable benefits to his employer.

To find out more, contact the Business Partnership Team Business@stcg.ac.uk or call 07485 313539.

Monica Bradley with her award

Kingston sets out ambitions to be recognised as a leading hub for business, investment and housing

A thriving borough where everyone can succeed in a changing world.

‘Confident in Kingston' is the Economic Development Strategy for Kingston upon Thames 20242028. The strategy sets out the council’s ambitions for the borough to be increasingly recognised as a leading hub for business, investment, housing and green economy, while preserving its rich heritage.

The strategy has ambitions to enhance Kingston’s reputation through a focused plan that attracts inward investment, enterprises and visitors. Being Confident in Kingston, recognises our intent to drive the borough forward with conviction, harnessing the borough’s talent, ambition and innovation to deliver on its potential. It is based on a strong evidence base, extensive consultation and partner input and will draw on these partnerships to enable its delivery.

With a strong focus on active collaboration, Kingston’s strategy taps into partnerships with businesses, residents, and other stakeholders to realise its ambitious outcomes and support shared interests. Making this a borough wide vision and not just a council ambition.

While this is an ‘economic’ strategy, it is important for us to recognise that the economy should work for people and their communities. Growth of the economy relates closely to the personal growth that people can experience, through their sense of place, incomes, skills or wellbeing - this is at the heart of our strategy.

Kingston is also committed to sustainability and aims to lead on green economy initiatives and decarbonisation. Our goal is to create not just a thriving economy, but one that leads the way by encouraging businesses to adopt greener practices while creating jobs in this sector.

Housing development is another core priority for the borough, with the council planning to deliver at least 964 homes per year, including affordable and social housing through projects such as the Cambridge Road Estate. The housing push will meet the diverse needs of Kingston’s families and individuals, contributing to a fairer economy. These developments also offer opportunities for growth in our local supply chain and jobs in the construction sector.

Kingston’s relative affluence can mask challenges faced by some residents, such as fuel poverty and access to opportunities. Transport connectivity improvements and a push for digital inclusion, especially in underserved communities, are also key objectives. Kingston’s commitment to addressing social inequalities will see targeted employment and skills training for vulnerable groups, further cementing the borough’s reputation as a place where everyone has access to fair employment.

This comprehensive plan signals an exciting chapter for Kingston -a borough that honours its history while boldly embracing the future.

The strategy outlines 5 key outcomes

1. Kingston recognised as a great location:

• Promote Kingston as an attractive location for investment, business, and visitors.

• Enhance the borough’s cultural, creative, and heritage sectors.

• Improve infrastructure such as transport connectivity and broadband access.

2. A leading green economy:

• Kingston will lead in decarbonisation efforts and green initiatives.

• Foster skills development in green jobs, focusing on retrofitting homes and businesses.

• Encourage businesses to reduce carbon emissions through eco-innovations.

3. Adaptable, thriving town centres and places of work:

• Support diverse, flexible workspaces and protect industrial areas.

• Enhance town centres with more diverse businesses and community spaces.

• Improve public spaces and the appearance of Kingston’s historic areas, including enhancing Kingston’s Market Place.

4. A fair economy:

• Ensure access to jobs, education, and housing for all residents, particularly those facing barriers.

• Promote social value through policies such as the London Living Wage and support affordable housing and workspaces.

• Addressing digital exclusion and supporting early careers.

5. A place of active, productive collaboration:

• Delivered through strong partnerships between the council, businesses, and communities.

• Strengthen ties with educational institutions to support innovation and skills development.

• Promote sub-regional collaboration, particularly within the South London Partnership.

This strategy is part of a broader ambition to create a confident, thriving Kingston, adapting to changes while ensuring fairness, inclusivity, and sustainability.

You can view the full strategy and its evidence base online on the council’s website or via the QR code here

Celebrating Community & Creativity at The Place to BE

B(ry): “Hey Em, what are you doing?”

E(m): “Thinking about how dragonflies can fly in every direction—forward, backward, sideways, even hover. Isn’t that wild?”

B: “It is wild. But what does that have to do with anything?”

E: “Everything. Dragonflies are adaptable, just like us.”

B: “Speaking of adaptability, guess what— we’ve been asked to write an article about The Place to BE!”

E: “Wait, WHAT? And you let me ramble about dragonflies?!”

B: “Yeah, well, your dragonfly TED Talk was fun! Anyway, we’ve got 1800 words to tell our story.”

E: “1800 words? That’s a lot of words…and you think in emojis half the time! How are we pulling this off?”

B: “Easy—we’ll tell the story of our café & society that’s as unique as we are.”

E: “Let’s do it!”

This is the next part

Ahoy fellow Kingstonian! You weren’t supposed to see that. If you’ve made it this far, we’re confident we’ve got you hooked! And it only took about 150 words! So before we lose you, we’re asking for your help…it will be FUN!

All you have to do is tick your boxes, snap a photo and email us at youwanttobe@theplacetobesociety.com

• Want to invest or join our executive team?

• Want to contribute to our Crowdfunder campaign?

• Want to hire our space for your next company event?

• Need a creative place to record content?

• Looking for fun & creative teambuilding outings that don’t involve axes or escaping?

• Want to offer your products or services in exchange for marketing support or team discounts?

• Want to offer vouchers or discounts for our ‘Kingston Local’ book, available to Crowdfunder backers and society members?

• Need some luxury dessert catering from Em for Macaron for your next event?

• Just want to make new friends & chat?

The part where we tell you more about us, B(ry) & E(m) - Co-Captains @ The Place to BE

All our business consultants & experts in the field told us ‘people invest in people’. Then they went on to tell us "To truly leverage the synergy between your innovative boat café, you’ll need to adopt agile best practices, focus on scalable ROI-driven strategies, empower a customer-centric culture fit, and move the needle with actionable insights— oh, and don’t forget to circle back on those low-hanging fruit for a win-win, game-changing paradigm shift."

So we’ve decided to ‘compromise’ and just tell you about us. We’re an adorable (and obviously very humble) soon-to-be-married couple based in Kingston. We love feeling connected to the planet we just happen to live on, we get very excited and inspired by big ideas, we enjoy bringing people together and creating shared experiences - in healthy & memorable ways.

Most of all - we just love to BE.

B(ry) - obsessed with water and boats, adventurous, doesn’t fear a big idea. Runs Paper Garden Records (@papergardenrecs - see page 34).

E(m) - passionate about crafts & making, gardening and nature, growing fresh produce and transforming it into delicious homemade meals. Founder of Em for Macaron (@em_for_macaron), delighting locals with French macarons made to order.

We thought, ‘how can our businesses connect, just like we did, and create something new with our shared values?’ So Em drew up a Venn diagram, popped in our passions and existing businesses, pointed at the middle where these all overlap, and named it The Place to BE. From there, ideas flowed, evolved into meaningful conversations, and quickly turned into plans!

Together we are the perfect sourdough starter - a little wild, a little cultured, and totally ready to rise!

About the place to be? It’s really all about you! This Is (Y)our SOCIETY!

This is our place - an extension of us, a physical space that embodies our values, passions and dreams, home to both Paper Garden Records and Em for Macaron. But this is your place too!

We’re more than just a café —we’re a society shaped by the people who bring it to life. This is a space to connect, share ideas, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s hosting an event, joining as a member, or simply sharing your thoughts, your involvement helps us grow into something truly special.

WHO: B(ry) & E(m) + ALL of us, together.

WHAT: A cafe & society - on a boat!

WHERE: Kingston, Town End Pier (w/ Turks)

WHEN: Launching in 2025

WHY: To bring people together / for our planet HOW: Through the power of community to make incredible things happen

Our inspiration comes from all over the world— shaped by travels, diverse cultures, and the unique blend of our backgrounds as an American and a Hungarian. Above all, it’s the human connections that fuel our vision. Our friends and families, each remarkable in their own fields and passions, are a constant source of inspiration and motivation. The Place to BE is a reflection of our "village," channeling the spirit of collaboration and the richness of these relationships into every aspect of what we do.

By supporting The Place to BE, you’re not just visiting—you’re building a home for creativity, conversation, and connection right here in Kingston.

The Place to BE’s story is yours. Let’s make something extraordinary, together!

What

We Do? We Are The Place to BE, Not A Place To Do!

Café

Wellbeing starts with the food we eat, and prioritising whole, organic ingredients is one of the best things we can do for ourselves. Em has thoughtfully designed a menu that reflects our commitment to health and nature, for both people and the planet, sourcing fresh ingredients from our local farmers and supporting sustainable practices.

We feature special menus, created in collaboration with guest chefs for limited times. Each visit offers a chance to savour healthy, vibrant meals, artisanal pastries, and specialty drinks.

The space is designed to inspire—warm, calming atmosphere with natural wood, lush greenery, and colourful, eclectic artwork by local artists. It’s a place to unwind, connect with your authentic self, and simply BE.

But what really makes The Place to BE…well…the place to BE? It’s a philosophy, a movement, and possibly the best excuse to hang out by the river. Whether you're here for the food, the vibes, or just to soak in the moment, we’ve got a spot waiting for you.

Earth

We’re rooted in sustainability, serving local, organic, seasonal dishes and drinks crafted with care for the planet. We aim to minimise imports, keep our carbon footprint in check, and extend our society’s reach to our local farmers/suppliers. From using local ingredients to minimising waste, we’re committed to green living.

Our menu is ever-evolving, much like nature itself. Most dishes will change with the seasons, celebrating the variety of nutrition each season brings on, ensuring the freshest ingredients, and aligning with our commitment to the planet. By embracing seasonality, we maintain meaningful, year-round collaborations with our farmers, supporting local agriculture.

Because what’s the point of building a better business if it doesn’t also help build a better planet?

Entertainment & Experiences

The Place to BE is your go-to spot for a good time! From live music and comedy to cinema nights, board games, art showings, and more, we bring you experiences that inspire, excite, and connect. But that's just the beginning.

Beyond entertainment, we also offer a wide variety of creative experiences, workshops and 'crafternoons' designed for all skill levels, including bread-making, macaron crafting, gardening, needlework, festive workshops, meditation, and more. Each experience is crafted to bring people together, foster new passions, and provide a wholesome, uplifting atmosphere.

Additionally, our stylish built-in stage makes the space ideal for private hire, whether for weddings, content creation, company holiday parties, or other memorable occasions.

The Place

Experience the magic of The Place to BE afloat! Our floating café, in partnership with Turks at Town End Pier, offers a unique atmosphere, where the tranquility of the water meets the joy of gathering on a boat, and celebrates the charm and creativity of Kingston in full.

As a unique community hub, it draws inspiration from Kingston’s rich history, an ancient centre of connection. We channel these roots, embodying what it means to be Kingstonian—creative, connected, and grounded—while fostering a space where ideas flourish and the community thrives. Here, you are the captain of your own ship.

Our commitment to Kingston is at the heart of everything we do. We collaborate with local businesses and entrepreneurs to source equipment, services, and expertise, and partner with local artists to infuse the space with unique design elements that reflect Kingston’s vibrant identity. From providing platforms for musicians and makers to showcasing the work of designers and artisans, we ensure that every corner of our space is a celebration of the local talent and entrepreneurial spirit that make Kingston unique. By supporting The Place to BE, you’re investing in a growing ecosystem of local businesses, artists, and makers, helping to strengthen the fabric of our community and inspire connections that last.

Here’s where we get SERIOUS

(but not too serious – that’s just not us)

The Place to BE isn’t just about Kingston. Over time, we envision a fleet of floating spaces both locally and globally - each tailored to its local community, but carrying the same heart and soul that started it all.

Our connection-focused, creativity-driven venture aligns seamlessly with the evolving values of modern society. Recent lifestyle trends highlight a growing desire for meaningful in-person connections, community-centered activities, and hands-on creative pursuits. Coupled with an increasing emphasis on healthier, more mindful consumption, The Place to BE offers the perfect environment to meet these needs.

By fostering a welcoming space that prioritizes thoughtful choices, The Place to BE is poised to become a sought-after destination for those looking to spend their free time in enriching, health-conscious, and community-oriented ways, both locally and globally.

Our mission, should you choose to accept it

Collaboration > Competition

The future is in our roots

Here to mix things up!

The society of Mother Earth

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible early supporters, including Turks, Kingston Council, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Kingston First, Kingston Charitable Foundation, Kingston University’s Department of Performing Arts, Visconti Studios, Fusebox, and Creative Youth. Your belief in this vision has been instrumental in bringing it to life.

This

is

the last part

B: “How’d we do, Em? Did we mention we need everyone's help to get this off the ground?”

E: Yep, a few times I think!

B: I don’t think we used enough emojis.

E: Yeah, you’re probably right.

Word count = 1778. Emoji count = 253. THE END. FIN. CUT.

Connect Website: www.theplacetobesociety.com

Instagram: @theplacetobe_society

Email: youwanttobe@theplacetobesociety.com

Moving to a cheaper, greener energy system

A recent poll of small businesses showed that nearly two thirds1 of Britain’s business owners and senior decision makers think it’s important to embrace environmental issues, with many also seeing financial benefits as a result.

From those polled, 45 percent say that the changes they have made have saved them money, with 40 percent believing that becoming more sustainable has attracted more customers, as well as enhancing their reputation within the local community (44 percent).

With running costs remaining a concern for many small business owners, one in three polled2 say they are keeping a closer eye on their energy bills. When it comes to managing energy usage and costs, one small step small business owners can take, is to get a smart meter installed. They are the next generation of gas and electricity meters that are being installed in small businesses and households in Great Britain, replacing traditional meters.

When it comes to running a business, even making small changes and improvements can make a big difference, whether it’s saving money or being good for the planet. Getting a smart meter can help owners to understand exactly how much energy they are using and help them to control

energy costs. A smart meter can also help identify ways to reduce energy consumption – which is good for budgets, as well as the planet.

Whether you own or rent your business premises, you may be eligible for a smart meter, and if you are renting, but pay your own energy bills, you can ask your supplier to install one3

SMART METER BENEFITS

Smart meters have lots of benefits for small businesses, including:

• Accurate billing: smart meters measure energy usage in near real-time, so no more manual readings or estimated bills. This means you only pay for the energy you use, which can help with managing cashflow

• Control: the data provided by smart meters can give you more control over your business’ energy spend, helping you monitor energy usage and identify where cost savings can be made

• Access to historic energy usage data: small businesses with a smart meter can request free access to 12 months of data

from their energy supplier. This could help with budgeting and reduce bill shock. It could also help you plan for your next bill by identifying any trends or patterns in your energy use across the year

As well as helping to give you more control of your business budgeting, smart meters are playing an important role in Great Britain’s energy infrastructure upgrade, as we continue to increase our use of cheaper, greener renewable energy sources.

The data smart meters provide is key to this innovation, and will enable us to buy, store and consume energy differently to the way we do today, gathering the information the energy networks need that will help the energy system better manage supply and demand. This will make the whole system more efficient and able to use more renewables such as wind and solar power.

So just by having a smart meter installed, you’re helping to create a smarter, greener energy system that will benefit Britain, the planet - and you.

What small business owners are doing to become more sustainable:

1. Turning off equipment when not in use

2. Recycling old IT equipment

3. Creating a recycling policy

4. Keeping a much closer eye on energy bills

5. Replacing lights with LED alternatives

6. Using environmentally friendly products eg for cleaning

7. Reusing plastic carrier bags

8. Going paperless

9. Using local suppliers

10. Using eco-friendly/ biodegradable packaging

Smart meters give you access to free and regular information on your energy use. Your energy supplier may provide this via an online platform, app, smart meter display or other data tools.

Source: Perspectus Global, July 2024, 500 SME owners and senior decision makers across Great Britain

New Year, New Start

As we say goodbye to 2024, many organisations are contemplating the year ahead and what they need to put in place to grow their business during 2025. Achieving growth often requires upskilling of employees to support your organisational objectives. Here at South Thames Colleges Group we have a wide range of training opportunities starting in January 2025 to support your staff development.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can benefit your business by enabling you to bring in new talent who can be trained with the skills and professional qualifications you need to support your business goals. Apprenticeships can also be used to upskill existing staff, helping you to get the most out of your workforce, providing vocational training that is tailored to your organisation.

We work with you throughout the process whether you are a levy or a non-levy payer, guiding you in assessing funding and selecting the best people for your role if you are looking to attract new talent in.

Kingston College has January starts for Business Administration, Engineering, Human Resources at Level 4 and 5 and a Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. We also have Apprenticeship starts at our sister Colleges in Construction.

Contact business@STCG.ac.uk to find out more.

Professional Courses

From Counselling courses to Beauty Specialist courses such as Level 4 Micro-Needling we have a range of flexible professional courses to support the development of your organisation.

Check out https://stcg.ac.uk/ kingston-college/january-starts to find out more or scan the QR code.

New Health & Social Care Hub

This term we were excited to launch our new Health & Social Care Hub at our the Kingston Hall Road campus. These Health Labs are specifically set up to enhance learners' training experience in a real life setting. These include mock hospital wards and home settings designed to develop practical skills in the care sector including, a Virtual Reality teaching space with new Metaverse technology providing learning through reallife practical scenarios.

We deliver a range of Adult Health and Social Care courses designed to support the health and social care sector in South London. The hub offers specialised training and education which will facilitate the development and delivery of customised training programmes that cater to the needs of this sector. Our courses are taught by tutors who have the professional industry experience to make staff confident, qualified and job ready. Plus they can be studied flexibly with part time and online learning.

Courses

Starting February 2025:

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Nutrition and Health

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health

• Level 2 Certificate in Preparing To Work in Adult Social Care

• Level 2 Certificate In Understanding Personal Care Needs

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding The Safe Handling of Medication in Health and Social Care

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges

• Esol + Adult Social Care

Visit https:/stcg. ac.uk/adult-healthand-social-carecourses or scan the QR code

London and the net zero challenge

By Karim Fatehi MBE

The Chamber is relentless in our championing of all businesses.

From the corner newsagent to the hedge fund managers, we represent every type and size of business as all these firms are part of the special ecosystem making London the world’s number one business hub.

Thanks to our Quarterly Economic Surveys, we also know how business is coping in every part of our city. We lead with business intelligence on the state of the London economy.

As a consequence, we need to look at the long term challenges facing our city to ensure London stays ahead of the global competition.

The most significant of these challenges is climate change. The evidence of the climate emergency is overwhelming and, over recent years, the capital has experienced extreme weather events – from heat waves to flash

efficient and the economic output that can be derived from cities is much greater as a direct consequence.

London and other major cities can be in the forefront of tackling climate change. This is partly because cities are leading global economic growth and is in the best position, due to this pivotal role in the economy, to address the needs of the climate. Cities are

Global cities play an increasingly important role at the global and regional level: from Asia to Africa, from South and North America to Europe, large urban centres enjoy significant competitive advantages and serve as primary nodes in the globalised economic system. They interact with states and other international actors, pursue objectives that are often intertwined with global economic agendas, and are crucial to questions related to climate change, mobility and migration, technological innovation, economic development and infrastructure. At the same time, global cities dramatically display the challenges posed by social inequalities and exclusion.

Cities are being transformed by urbanisation, driven by technological innovations and

The UK economy is legally bound to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2035 from today’s levels. The Mayor of London has also set ambitious aims for London to be a zero-carbon city by 2030.

the exchange of new ideas as industries increasingly cluster together.

We are seeing that in London where the Chamber has championed the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in its Green Skies report. London’s global city status is specifically linked to major airports supporting the business life of the capital. The new Government has announced, since the publication of the Chamber report, new legislative proposals to support the production of SAFs in the UK.

With 90% of the global population predicted to be living in cities by the end of the century according to research by Oxford University, this is a long-term trend, providing a huge growth opportunity for investors.

There is a direct correlation between cities and the creation of wealth. Urbanisation creates efficiencies, which attract businesses and people, because of the job opportunities. This in turn attracts more businesses because of the available talent. That talent helps businesses grow and innovate, which in turn attracts more talent. This is the power of urbanisation. Urbanisation creates wealth.

One of the main advantages of a city, like London, is the ability for different business to be located near each other. This is known

as “clustering” and is an essential component in the success of many businesses today, boosting efficiency and allowing companies to work together and exchange ideas.

Today, cities tend to play host to different clusters of industries. For example, Los Angeles is a hub for the entertainment industry, Boston is a hub for medical research and Singapore is a hub for the finance industry.

London is the business hub for finance, tourism, life sciences, tech and so much more. That is why London, despite the challenges facing the city, remains the world’s number one business hub.

Cities are also an essential lever in the battle to reduce greenhouse gases and conserve energy. The energy costs for high density housing, such as apartments, are about 30% lower than for a house. As apartments are clustered together, heating costs will invariably be lower. As many new apartment buildings now have installed energy systems, such as solar panels, energy costs can be even lower.

If the UK is to meet its Government-set target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, higher levels of population density will be crucial. The larger a city grows, the more efficient it becomes. This is the theory of

urban metabolism, which explains why cities become more productive and inventive as they expand in size.

The UK economy is legally bound to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2035 from today’s levels. The Mayor of London has also set ambitious aims for London to be a zero-carbon city by 2030. This means businesses and industry will have to act now to reduce their carbon emissions accordingly.

The Chamber is committed to helping businesses reach net zero. We have been promoting net zero funding opportunities to members such as:

Community grants and funding distributes grants to support communities and civil society organisations. Applications for the Grow Back Greener Fund are open.

Green and Resilient Spaces Fund - Funding for large-scale, innovative enhancements to green and blue spaces and the wider public realm. Applications are now open for expressions of interest.

Challenge London – An initiative to work with bright and creative innovators to solve the challenges facing London and Londoners.

One of our members, Heart of the City, has a great toolkit to help SMEs meet its environmental obligations and save money. Climate Action Toolkit - Heart of the City (theheartofthecity.com)

In the coming months, the Chamber will produce two major reports on what more London can do to meet the next zero challenge – what more we need to do to further develop the sustainable finance sector and how to ensure every building in the capital is retrofitted.

The science of climate change is not in doubt. London is in the ideal position to meet this challenge so that not only do we meet the net zero target but we remain the world’s number one centre for business.

Karim

Fatehi MBE is the Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Photo by Joe Breuer on Pixabay.com

THE KINGSTON BOROUGH BUSINESS AWARDS WERE OPENED IN NOVEMBER AT FUSEBOX.

We were delighted to welcome our Gold Sponsors, Kingston University, represented by the Professor Sankar Sivarajah, Head of Kingston Business School; Peter Mayhew-Smith, Group Principal and CEO, South Thames Colleges Group and Cllr Alison Holt, the Deputy Leader of Kingston Council.

No matter your shape or size of business, there are categories to match you. The KBBA are a great way of recognising the hard work of your employees, allows you to show how your business is different from your competitors and is also an opportunity for self-reflection, to focus on your achievements.

The KBBA celebrates the positive impact of local businesses across the Borough of Kingston.

2025 CATEGORIES

EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER E XPERIENCE

BEST BRAND OF THE YEAR

BEST CHARITY OF THE YEAR

BEST CULTURAL ENTERPRISE

BEST IN FITNESS AND WELLBEING

BEST FREELANCER/SOLE TRADER/ SMALL BUSINESSES OF THE YEAR

BEST IN MARKETING AND DIGITAL SERVICES

BEST START UP THE YEAR

BEST PLACE TO WORK

EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY

EXCELLENCE IN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

GROWING REPUTATION

I NDEPENDENT ‘LOVE LOCAL’ RETAILER

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE

SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT

TECHNOLOGY IMPACT

GOLD SPONSORS

CATEGORY SPONSORS

MEDIA PARTNER

Kingston announces major cultural celebration for 2025 to mark historical year

People of all ages will be able to explore and enjoy a range of arts and cultural events over the summer months right through to October, most of which will be free.

2025 is set to be a landmark year for Kingston upon Thames as the Royal Borough announces a major, diverse six-month cultural festival opening in May.

Kingston 2025 will include large scale public events with dramatic performances, public art installations, a river festival and a box-fresh music composition performed by schools at The Rose Theatre featuring in the programme of events.

The flagship celebration marks the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of Athelstan, first King of a united England, right in the heart of Kingston in 925. Kingston 2025 is a celebration of the past, present and future of this special part of London where river, town and countryside meet, and diverse communities come together to create a history-rich cultural landscape.

The festivities will kick off with a majestic launch event in the historic Kingston Market Place on Saturday 3 May 2025. This will include community pop up events across the town centre building toward a joyful public performance.

People of all ages will be able to explore and enjoy a range of arts and cultural events over the summer months right through to October, most of which will be free. The Kingston 2025 programme will encompass established annual events such as the Kingston International Film Festival, Fuse International youth arts festival and Kingston Carnival as well as seeing brand new additions to the cultural calendar.

A new music production specially commissioned for schools and young musicians, ‘Bridging Kingston’, will be staged at The Rose Theatre in June. Later in the summer, just ahead of Kingston Carnival, a colourful River Cultures Festival will celebrate the importance of the River

Thames and the natural environment as part of the Totally Thames Festival. Kingston Museum will stage ‘Kingston Glamour’, a new exhibition on art and innovation in the suburbs, and the return of an expanded two-day Saxon Fayre will offer visitors an immersive experience of daily life in a Saxon encampment with warriors reenacting battles in Kingston’s riverfront Canbury Gardens.

The programme is underpinned by a focus on a community history project. Local people will be exploring aspects of Kingston’s lesser known histories in the borough’s neighbourhoods and communities bringing to life stories of the people who shaped Kingston, in collaboration with partners including Kingston University, Kingston College and many community and voluntary sector organisations.

Leader of Kingston Council and Portfolio Holder for Culture, Andreas Kirsch said:

“As we head into the new year, I’m incredibly excited that Kingston 2025 is on the horizon. It will be a fantastic celebration of the borough’s diverse and vibrant communities and cultural landscape, its beautiful riverside location and rich royal heritage. A celebration of Kingston past, present and future.

“I’m thrilled to host this very special arts and culture programme in 2025 that I hope will enrich, excite and bring communities together in celebration.“

More information about the Kingston 2025 programme will be released in the spring.

The spirit and energy of Kingston 2025 is captured in an outdoor dance performance.

Photo by Eleanor Bentall

First Kimchi School outside Korea intended for Kingston

Kingston Council has signed an agreement setting its ambition to bring the first Kimchi School outside Korea to Kingston, after welcoming a delegation from Nam-gu, in South Korea, to The Guildhall.

The agreement, called a Memorandum of Understanding, was signed by Kingston Council and Nam-gu district, Gwangju, and focuses on promoting understanding of the cultural and culinary heritage of Korea. It includes the intention to open the first Kimchi School outside Korea in Kingston, in collaboration with the Korean British Cultural Exchange Foundation and Gwangju Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation.

It is hoped the Kimchi School will open in September 2025. It will offer residents of Kingston the chance to learn about kimchi, an iconic Korean dish and a symbol of K-food, and the UNESCO-recognised kimjang (kimchimaking) culture.

The Royal Borough of Kingston, home to one of Europe’s largest Korean communities, has previously demonstrated its strong ties with Korean culture by becoming the first place in Europe to mark 22nd November as Kimchi Day.

Cllr Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council, said: “It is wonderful to be able to set the intention to bring the first Kimchi school

Kingston Museum celebrates its 120th birthday

The museum was unveiled by the Earl of Rosebery on 31st October, 1904 but it was originally feared the museum would not open.

Despite being in the plans with the public library, the library’s cost meant no funding was left for the museum’s development. However, renowned industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie provided additional financial support to ensure the project was completed. Now, the museum continues to be a thriving cultural hub and a jewel in the borough’s heritage, with three permanent exhibitions: Ancient Origins, Town of Kings and Eadward Muybridge.

outside Korea right here to the Royal Borough of Kingston.

“It is a fitting celebration of the huge contribution our Korean communities make to life in the borough and highlights the central importance of Kimchi and Kimjang in Korean culture and traditions, signified by its UNESCO intangible cultural heritage status.”

The exhibition on Muybridge - a pioneering photographer who was born and died in Kingston - has a Hollywood fan in Academy Award-winning actor Gary Oldman, who became the champion for the Muybridge collection earlier this month.

Open to everyone, the space also has a selection of temporary exhibitions, the free and popular digital guide on the four community-led trails (available in Hong Kong, Korean, Tamil, and

Ukrainian), and a museum audio trail. A new exhibition, K-Woman: Celebrating Korean Female Artists, opened on 22nd November. There are also Quirky Kingston tours, run by local resident and Kingston Tour Guides Chair Julian McCarthy, which are packed with interesting titbits for curious visitors.

For more information and opening times, visit kingstonheritage.org.uk.

New AI tool launched to free up time for frontline social workers

A new AI tool that saves each frontline social worker at least four hours a week by taking admin-intensive tasks off their hands is being rolled out by Kingston Council.

The tool, called Magic Notes, is being made available to the council’s social work and occupational therapist practitioners. It has been designed and tailored specifically for their work and early signs are showing that it is saving them up to four hours a week on administrative tasks.

Magic Notes has been developed by social enterprise, Beam, with extensive input from frontline workers. It uses AI to create reports and case notes from recordings of regular meetings between social workers and their clients.

In a pilot run by Kingston Council, it has reduced the time that frontline workers spent on admin tasks by 63 per cent and is also very useful for staff who have dyslexia. It is now being rolled out to a further 100 social workers across the council’s Adult Social Care Services.

Councillor Sabah Hamed, Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: "We want to equip our staff with the latest digital technology and confidence to use it, so that they can spend more time with people they work with and ensure they are always at the heart of what we do.”

Helen, a Senior Social Worker, said: “I got into social work because I wanted to support people. When I am completing an assessment, review or any other interaction with people I support, Magic Notes allows me to maintain eye contact, listen accurately and critically reflect in the moment and it means that I don't have to worry about taking notes. As well as allowing me to focus on the person, Magic Notes provides me with a really accurate and detailed record and summary for me to review. It frees up time for me to focus on complex cases care, planning and the social workers in the team that I supervise.”

Beam has directly supported more than 4,500 people into homes and jobs and builds tools to transform frontline productivity.

Seb Barker, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer at Beam, said: “We developed Magic Notes because we saw first-hand, from our own team of caseworkers, that frontline workers were tied to their desks by a huge mountain of admin and paperwork. AI gives us the opportunity to free them up to get back on the frontline, where they want to be, and do the most meaningful work.”

“I got into social work because I wanted to support people. When I am completing an assessment, review or any other interaction with people I support, Magic Notes allows me to maintain eye contact, listen accurately and critically reflect in the moment and it means that I don't have to worry about taking notes."

Kingston Council first in UK to introduce official hedgehog crossing signs

Four road signs have been unveiled in Old Malden, Kingston warning drivers to watch out for hedgehogs crossing the road, to help preserve the population and improve biodiversity.

Over the past four years, Kingston Council has worked closely with the London Hogwatch Team to deploy wildlife cameras across the borough. These cameras - placed in parks, schools, churches, and private gardens with the invaluable support of many volunteers - helped identify a hedgehog hotspot in Old Malden.

The Department for Transport recently officially approved hedgehog warning signs, and Kingston is the first council in the UK to install them.

Local resident and hedgehog enthusiast Clare Hellings was instrumental in working with the council, in particular local councillor Mike Massimi, to make the hedgehog crossings a reality.

“I’m delighted that my request for these signs has now become a reality,” she said.

“I hope that they will improve the safety of these endangered but delightful animals that we are lucky to have living in our borough.”

The signs encourage safer driving habits, protecting both hedgehogs and pedestrians.

As well as the installation of the hedgehog signs, the work with London Hogwatch has also informed the borough’s Species Action Plan for Hedgehogs, launched last year as part of Kingston’s Biodiversity Action Plan.

Photo by Alexas Fotos @Pixabay

24POEX

Accelerating your business growth

In October, we were delighted to launch the EXPO24 and our partnership with Merton Chamber of Commerce for this essential business event in South London.

There were three key objectives for the EXPO24:

1: To provide access to quality business expertise.

2: To deliver an inspiring programme.

3: To connect and bring people together.

The event attracted just under 300 attendees and delieverd a full programme of webinars, networking, exhibitors, business support, yoga and speed networking. We would like to express our gratitude to Kingston and Merton Council, Rainbow Promotions, Zedcarz and Chessington School as our EXPO24 Headline sponsors, for their support of the event.

It is always a pleasure to be back at Chessington School who have been great hosts.

There was a diverse and enjoyable business programme to benefit from. We welcomed Merton businesses and attendees who are joined the day for the first time.

We hope that all our attendees and standholders found it beneficial, leading to new partnerships and connections. Never underestimate the power of conversations, of listening and being willing to help. It has an amazing strength and made the day successful.

We hope that the EXPO24 delivered, be they big or small, the ideas to help accelerate your business growth.

GROWTH PROGRAMMES

Are you seeking to grow your business more quickly?

Do you want to tap into business expertise?

Go Growth is programme to take you and your business forward.

To sign up and receive more information for this exciting programme, please register here.

Go Growth Programme

FINAL PROGRAMME STARTS

January 13th 2025

FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY:

DELIVERED BY:

The Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce

The Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Events

The Chamber has worked diligently to rise above the expectations of 2024. Over the past year, we organised 51 varied events, welcoming more than 2,000 participants from across the borough.

As the year drew to a close, we came together for the Festive Social to celebrate a successful 2024, share our plans for the year ahead, and embrace the holiday spirit. Cocktails and canapés at Kingston’s stylish Bone Idyll bar provided the perfect setting!

Around 50 Chamber members and guests gathered to celebrate the season and enjoy an evening of fun with friends at the Chamber. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to join us.

Here is to an uplifting and progressive 2025!

Find out how to get the most out of your Chamber membership at this informal meeting. We explain all the different benefits and how you can utilise our extensive communications channels and much more to maximise business development for your organisation.

Meet the friendly Chamber team and get to know the contacts for the different benefits the Chamber offers its members. Whether you’re a new member or considering joining, this session is the perfect opportunity to learn how we can support your success.

Upcoming at the Kingston Chamber of Commerce...

This event is the perfect opportunity to meet and connect with other like-minded individuals from various industries and business sizes while learning from our expert guest speakers and enjoying a delicious breakfast buffet provided by Nikki’s Kitchen.

Kingston College Creative Industries Centre, 55 Richmond Road, KT2 5BP

The Women in Business events are perfect for local businesswomen to connect and build relationships in a relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying a delicious two-course lunch paired with a glass of Prosecco, and thought-provoking presentations from our guest speakers.

Share insights, exchange ideas and hear from our guest speaker all while enjoying a coffee and freshly-baked pastries. As part of this event, there’s a card draw activity that provides you with the opportunity to deliver a one-minute pitch to the audience, allowing you to showcase your products and services more effectively.

The Wych Elm, 93 Elm Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT2 6HT

The holiday season is behind us, and January brings fresh opportunities and new beginnings! If you're looking for exciting ways to begin the year, your local Chamber has you covered. With engaging events and enriching programmes, there's plenty to explore and register for in this first quarter. Let's make the start of the year one to remember! For updated

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY

Join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kingston for a chance to connect with business professionals from various industries and locations, including many from outside our borough. You will also gain insights from our expert guest speakers while savoring a delicious Full English Breakfast buffet.

by Hilton, 1 Skerne Rd, Kingston Upon Thames

International Women's Day is the perfect event to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women within our local business community and beyond. Bringing together female business leaders from across industries and sectors to share their stories, this brunch will provide an inclusive and empowering space to connect, gain invaluable insights, and learn from our inspirational attendees.

For updated information please visit www.kingstonchamber.co.uk

This event offers a relaxed atmosphere to network and build relationships with other local businesses over a delicious lunch. Among our guests are business professionals, entrepreneurs, directors, educators and community leaders from a wide range of industries and enterprise sizes. We look forward to welcoming you!

DoubleTree

Fuego Kingston by Fenwick, The Bentall Centre, Wood St, Fenwick, Kingston upon Thames

Inflation rises as cost burdens loom for business

Although the inflation rate is “down considerably” from this time last year, the larger than expected increase in October 2024 highlights the ongoing pressures in the economy. The UK annual inflation rate – measured by the Consumer Prices Indec (CPI) – was 2.3% in October 2024, up from 1.7% in September 2024.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “While inflation is down considerably from this time last year, the larger than expected uptick in October highlights the continuing price pressures in the economy. Electricity and gas costs have risen sharply, with households facing challenges as we head into winter.

“Our research shows that while concerns about inflation have been steadily declining, it remains a significant issue for many businesses. SMEs are now deeply concerned about rising costs on the horizon next year. The combined impact of National Insurance

“To help mitigate cost pressures, the Government should look to accelerate the permanent cuts in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties – currently scheduled for 2026. Much also depends on the Government’s strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. We need these plans to deliver at pace and help drive forward business growth across the UK.”

and Living Wage rises, and the Employment Rights Bill is likely to put strong pressure on labour costs. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts and a potential tariff war will also have impacts.

“To help mitigate cost pressures, the Government should look to accelerate the permanent cuts in business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties – currently scheduled for 2026. Much also depends on the Government’s strategies on industry, infrastructure and trade. We need these plans to deliver at pace and help drive forward business growth across the UK.”

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce

BCC calls for Industrial Strategy to drive investment and ‘growth driving’ priority sectors

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has called for an Industrial Strategy that brings benefits to businesses and people in all parts of the UK.

In a written submission to the Government’s consultation, the BCC has urged ministers to integrate each nation and region’s strengths into the plan, alongside a focus on sectors. The Government says the Industrial Strategy will be published in Spring 2025, alongside the multi-year Spending Review.

The BCC urges ministers to identify ‘growth driving priority sectors’ and says the strategy should clearly identify how the UK’s competitive advantage can be leveraged. It says, ‘the industrial strategy should drive investment, support the workforce and encompass the net-zero transition’.

The submission says that for the strategy to succeed, foundation issues such as a competitive tax environment, skilled workforce and an enabling regulatory environment must be in place. It points out

“With

that achieving this will require collaboration across Government departments and involvement from both the public and private sectors.

Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Industrial Strategy is a much-needed opportunity to boost economic growth and investment.

“With millions of businesses now facing increased costs following the Budget – even more is now riding on the Government’s

strategy. Firms in every corner of the UK need this plan to deliver at pace for their needs and their communities.

“The strategy needs to identify priority sectors which will drive growth – building on the past but crucially looking forward.

“But the industrial strategy will struggle unless other key obstacles to business investment are tackled. It must not be designed and implemented in isolation from other policy measures and strategies.”

millions of businesses now facing increased costs following the Budget – even more is now riding on the Government’s strategy. Firms in every corner of the UK need this plan to deliver at pace for their needs and their communities. The strategy needs to identify priority sectors which will drive growth – building on the past but crucially looking forward."

Jonny

Haseldine, Policy Manager at the British Chambers of Commerce

Unlocking peak performance: The power of sleep and nutrition in the workplace

Imagine a treatment that could make you live longer, enhance your memory, boost creativity, make you more attractive, keep you slim, and even protect you from serious illnesses like cancer and dementia. It might sound like a miracle cure, but it's not a product you can buy—it's the power of a good night's sleep. As highlighted in Matthew Walker's book, Why We Sleep, sleep is a natural, free resource with profound benefits that many of us overlook.

As busy professionals juggling careers and personal responsibilities, we often sacrifice sleep, relying on caffeine or sheer willpower. However, this can backfire, impacting our health, wellbeing, and productivity. As a PSAregistered Nutritional Therapist and founder of Cloudberry Nutrition, I find that most of my clients are struggling with low energy and poor sleep. Addressing sleep is often transformative, helping them feel more energised and perform at their best both personally and professionally.

The impact of sleep deprivation on workplace wellbeing

Research consistently shows that inadequate sleep significantly impairs our cognitive functions. It reduces our concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities—all critical components of workplace performance. Sleep deprivation also increases our susceptibility to chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. This isn't just about feeling tired—it's about jeopardising our long-term wellbeing.

Recent data paints a concerning picture:

According to a 2023 Nuffield Health survey, the average Briton sleeps just 5.9 hours per night, far below the recommended 7-9 hours. This sleep deficit not only affects personal health but also carries a substantial economic toll. It's estimated that sleep deprivation costs the UK economy around £40 billion annually in lost productivity. Sleep-deprived workers are not only more prone to mistakes and accidents but also face higher rates of absenteeism. For small business owners and entrepreneurs, this can be particularly damaging, as poor sleep can hinder creativity, strategic planning, and stress management—all essential for business success.

The role of nutrition in promoting quality sleep

While many factors influence sleep, nutrition plays a critical yet often underappreciated role. Certain nutrients, including magnesium, tryptophan, melatonin, omega-3 fats, and vitamin D, are vital for promoting restful sleep. For example, tryptophan-rich foods like turkey, tofu, milk, and nuts can help increase sleepiness and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep, while magnesium-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can relax the muscles and nervous system, preparing your body for a good night's rest.

Practical tips for better sleep and enhanced workplace performance

Improving sleep quality doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent adjustments can have a significant impact. Here are three key areas to focus on:

1. Mindful eating: Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and alcohol 2-3 hours before bed. Include quality proteins like chicken or fish, limit sugars and refined carbohydrates, and try calming

herbal teas such as chamomile, lavender, or lemon balm.

2. Sleep-friendly environment: Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillows and remove electronic devices to minimise distractions.

3. Consistent sleep routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Create a calming bedtime routine, such as a warm bath or light reading, and switch off electronics at least an hour before sleep. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises or mindfulness to help quiet your mind before sleep.

Taking action for lasting change

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the advice on health and wellbeing, but the key is to start small. Pick one area, make gradual adjustments, and find what works best for you or your team. Sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity for peak performance. By prioritising sleep and making simple lifestyle and nutritional changes, you can unlock your full potential and improve both personal and professional life.

Encourage action in your workplace Isn’t it time to give your team the opportunity to perform at their best? Consider promoting a culture of wellbeing that includes sleep education and support. Simple changes, like flexible work hours, creating a calm space, or offering resources on sleep hygiene, can lead to more energised, productive, and engaged employees. Investing in sleep health isn’t just good for your team—it’s good for business.

Kristina Ericsson Richards Cloudberry Nutrition

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A history of exhaustion

‘All affairs are conducted in haste and excitement... people’s heads and forcing their spirits to undertake ever new exertions while robbing them of the time for rest, sleep, and stillness.” German neurologist Wilhelm Erb argued that 1884 was an exhausting time.

The Ancient Greeks

The preoccupation with exhaustion goes all the way back to Greek antiquity.

In the Greek golden age of the 5th to the 3rd centuries BC, most doctors believed that our health was governed by a balance in four fluids called humours that circulated around the body: blood, black and yellow bile, and phlegm. Several centuries later, famous Greek physician Galen was still blaming exhaustion on an imbalance in these humours.

Exhaustion (called acedia or sloth) was even considered a sin in the 16th century, when Pieter Bruegel, the Elder, (below) depicted it in his series “Seven Deadly Sins.”

Sexual impropriety

The Victorians believed exhaustion was caused by sexual impropriety. In the 18th century, exhaustion became considered a medical result of spiritual or moral shortcomings – not least to do with sex. The symptoms of lethargy and exhaustion was seen as evidence of sexual degeneracy. Doctors came to link exhaustion to improper sexual activities and began to make medical arguments about the dangers of those behaviours.

Women in their place

Exhaustion became a gender issue too. In 1874, the British psychiatrist Henry Maudsley wrote that everyone has a limited amount of bodily energy and women’s energy is mostly focused on their reproductive system – as this is their main function in society.

According to Maudsley, women squandering their energies on pursuits like reading, writing and studying would therefore likely hinder their reproductive abilities. Some doctors suggested that women who went out and engaged their brains, and actually worked, would then suffer terrible physical consequences – even death!

Brain

work caused exhaustion

In the 1880s an American doctor named George Beard popularised a name for this condition: “neurasthenia.” In Beard’s view, nerves got weakened, much like ropes do, by putting too much strain on them – through too much thinking. By the same token, people who led undemanding mental lives like manual labourers were deemed not to suffer from exhaustion.

And it wasn’t considered a problem for nonEuropean races either, who were thought not to have the same mental refinement. Exhaustion became a vehicle for propping up social prejudices and the status quo –including colonialism.

To switch off

What research points to is our inability to switch off and relax, either because of internal anxieties or those placed upon us by a boss, by society or by all of these things.

Why is depression the commonest illness in the Western world? Dr Nick Read, author of Sick and Tired, argues that ‘functional illnesses’ such as constant tiredness, the inability to sleep, anxiety that makes you ill, are caused by the body’s failure to adapt to social change. “Modern technology informs us, educates us, but it means that we are constantly threatened by global catastrophe, climate change and terrorist attack.

Modern life is exhausting because we often feel compelled to live by its standards, even though technically we have a choice to live otherwise. People have to realise that they do have a choice to change some parts of their life, at least.”

Bryan Vaughan Starting Up

CEO & FOUNDER Paper Garden

Q Tell us a bit about your business?

Paper Garden is a music-centric boutique creative agency, events curator/promoter & record label. With operations in both the UK (Kingston, Greater London) and US (NYC), we are a one stop shop with services ranging from live event creation & production to strategic partnerships, brand development & creative content marketing. Our Mission is to build a community and support great artists by bringing truly unique experiences to people, changing how artists and fans interact and engage with great music

Q What gives your business the X factor?

We challenge the status quo. From offering forward-thinking brands the chance to sponsor artists’ music releases or events in unconventional spaces, to helping them forge emotional connections with new audiences, we create opportunities that are both innovative and impactful. For the Kingston community, we introduce fresh music in a way that feels natural and effortless bringing it into their everyday lives rather than requiring them to actively seek it out.

Q What motivated you to set up in business?

A deep love for truly great music and its power to transform lives inspired me to start this journey. Music has a unique way of connecting us, it’s a universal language that transcends barriers, ignites creativity, and fosters a sense of belonging. Whether it’s the thrill of a live performance, the comfort of a soulful melody, or the energy of a vibrant rhythm, music has the ability to inspire, uplift, and unite.

Q What do you like most about working for a start-up?

The ability to truly BE the change I want to see in the world!

Q What has been your greatest business success to date?

In the US, it's probably the work we do w/ Jamestown - a commercial real-estate company who wanted to both bring more awareness and traction to their spaces in a multitude of their spaces across the US through music enlivenment. So, they hired us on to curate & produce regularly recurring concert series' as well as hire us as their primary music supplier for private corporate events they were hosting such as fundraisers and holiday parties.

In the UK, a highlight has been launching A Plant-Based Music Series at The Palace Gardener, a unique garden centre and café in Fulham. This thematic series aimed to reconnect people with nature through activities like nature-themed meditations, musical performances inspired by the natural world, and a fully plant-based food and drink menu. We partnered with Forest e-cycles to offer green transport, collaborated with the local council and university to drive awareness, and even created an app-based scavenger hunt where participants explored prominent neighbourhood trees while listening to nature-inspired songs.

Q What has been your lowest moment?

Nothing—everything has always run perfectly! Just kidding... The truth is, the music industry, especially as a fully independent record label without a trust fund to fall back on, is incredibly challenging and

humbling. Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 was a major low point for us. We were on the verge of signing several contracts with prominent corporate buildings and brands in central London for a multi-year event series that would have secured our operations long-term. When the pandemic hit, those opportunities disappeared overnight, and our carefully cultivated event series in NYC, which we’d spent years perfecting, came to a halt as well. Despite the setbacks, we found a way forward. Out of the chaos, we developed our Paper Garden Digs campaigns—a new model that has not only helped us recover but has become a central part of our business and brand today.

Q In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next year 5 years?

The immediate goal within the not-so-distant future is to bring Paper Garden into the physical world and create a society & creative hub for Paper Garden's artists & community - with a space to call our own. Paper Garden's global fanbase alike, a way to experience great music. I aim to work closely with the Kingston community, and especially the younger generation and talent being born out of Kingston University and Kingston College to turn Kingston into a true music city & cultural hot spot.

Q What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

It took me way too long to take this seriously but try to not get distracted by the shiny objects or all the ideas that pop into your head. Spreading yourself too thin means not being able to achieve what you want. You may have a million great ideas - and contrary to what many say - I'm actually a big fan of encouraging you to go after those goals. BUT complete what's in front of you first. If you're able to build upon what you have in front of you, then you provide yourself MORE opportunity and resources to get to the other things.

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