[New] WELCOME TO BOROUGH BUSINESS

The Kingston Chamber of Commerce magazine for all Businesses in Kingston

As I write this at the end of November, it is quite a challenge to compress succinctly what a year 2022 was. It has seen the good, the bad and the pretty damn ugly, sometimes all in one day, let alone in a week or month. For me, one word captures it all; leadership. When it is good, leaders motivate others to achieve something new and better. When leadership works in name only, it is self-serving, selfish and pulls people apart. We have seen far too much of this. Closer to home, I have seen many examples of true leadership in our local businesses, the voluntary and health sectors and key stakeholders in the Borough who have all led by example, in a difficult economic climate.

From a Chamber perspective, there are many positive stories to tell. I am delighted to say that our Kingston and Chessington Business Expos continue to deliver a special day, with a rich tapestry of exhibitors and seminars really playing their part to support and share advice.

Our inaugural Kingston Borough Business Awards, back in March, was a tremendous success and the winners captured the business diversity we have in this Borough. We are currently into the submissions period for the KBBA 2023 programme and I am looking forward to the seeing the judges struggle to decide who will be the finalists and winners. My immense gratitude goes out to our headline sponsor Kingston University, all our sponsors who support the KBBA, and to all our businesses who engage and compete!

Our networking events, from our breakfasts, to Women in Business lunches to the new Net Walking, have been greatly supported by our members over the year, for which we are much appreciated.

The New Malden Business Forum has been consistently well attended and the conversations and networking are beginning to provide value. The THINK GREEN webinars have been successful and we have now established, with the energy of Ioanna Rossi at Kingston Council, a Kingston Green Business Community. If you are a business practising sustainable practices, join this community and get more involved.

I would like to thank our Patrons whose support for the Chamber goes directly to all the events that we deliver. Each and every one of the Patrons are committed to the business environment and show leadership in many humble and discreet ways.

In this difficult period, I need to thank all our members, partners and friends for your determination, spirit and drive. As a Chamber, we cannot work or serve by ourselves. I have seen, time and time again this year, the simple power and value of talking and sharing. Our membership does this so well and unselfishly. By collaborating and supporting each other, Kingston is stronger together. These values will hold us well for 2023.

Take care.

Forbes Low CEO

Kingston Chamber of Commerce forbes@kingstonchamber.co.uk