Borough Business Sept 24

The voice of Kingston’s business community

October 31, 2024

The ideal showcase for businesses in South London Chessington School, KT9 2JS

Welcome

The Kingston Chamber of Commerce magazine for all Businesses in Kingston to Borough BUSINESS

As I write this welcome, the Paris Olympics have just ended and I have been captivated on sports that I would seldom watch. From the astonishing nonchalance of Armand Duplantis in the Pole Vaulting, to the grace of Gabby Thomas in the Women’s 200m race, UK’s Emily Campbell and Emma Finucane in weightlifting and track cycling, the Olympics can teach us lessons in resilience, inclusivity, teamwork and self-belief. From recovering from serious injuries to being unranked, unsponsored and working in tech sales (read about UK’s Georgia Bell), sport can bring together higher values like nothing else.

The Future of Work Summit 2024, held on Friday June 7th was a great success. With over 160 attendees, it delivered a range of well-attended business seminars, a fascinating UK economic overview, networking opportunities and roundtable discussions on leadership and culture. The value of culture, in particular, opened many attendees’ eyes to what happens in Kingston. Thank you to all our speakers and sponsors who supported this Summit and to all the attendees who came to enjoy the day.

The Go Business support programme, be it for pre-start ups or businesses who are up and running, is going well and I would encourage everyone to sign up. The wealth of business advice, guidance and encouragement is fantastic and at your finger tips! See page 4 to sign up.

Kingston Chamber is delighted to announce the new Women in Business Forum on September 26th. The importance of women in business in the UK cannot be overstated. Despite facing numerous challenges, women in business continue to break barriers and redefine leadership. The Forum will feature our guest speaker, Tina Powley-Mapp of the Bentalls Centre,

19 16

followed by a series of workshops on key topics and a networking lunch.

We are hosting morning programme, AI in Action: Real world applications and impacts, on October 3rd at Chessington World of Adventures. This is sponsored by Barwell Business Park and in partnership with BIG South London and London Innovation Centre. The programme is designed to share practical advice to business leaders and decision-makers, to understand the impact and innovations of AI in our real business world.

For micro and small businesses, AI can be a powerful tool that can drive growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. The role of AI will only become more critical, making its adoption a strategic imperative for companies of all sizes, to stay ahead in a competitive market.

On October 31st, we will be hosting the EXPO24 at Chessington School and this is our first partnership with Merton Chamber of Commerce. Collaborations are vital in all our work so I am so pleased that we will be coming together to provide a comprehensive day of business support, exhibitors, networking and speakers. Save this key date in your diary!

I hope you have managed to get some breathing space, had a break and a chance to recharge your batteries. The first part of the year has been busy for many of you so it is important to get some rest. To return to those amazing Olympians, even they need recovery periods too.

Forbes Low CEO

Kingston Chamber of Commerce forbes@kingstonchamber.co.uk

Ian Fletcher

Published September 2024 © 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. 2032

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. © 2024. 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.

BUSINESS PROGRAMMES

Are you thinking of setting up a new business?

Go Set Up is the perfect programme for you.

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.

“ An excellent resource for any micro and SME business to help them accelerate their growth and plan for the future.” Kathryn Hughes, Managing Director, Kayak PR

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

Go Set-Up Programme Go Growth Programme

FUNDED AND SUPPORTED BY:

DELIVERED BY:

The Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Porter the Sorter

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

One person’s karaoke

heaven

I am delighted to be the President of the Kingston upon Thames Chamber of Commerce for the next 12 months.

is another person’s karaoke nightmare!

We have received a number of calls from clients over the years who have been concerned that members of their team aren’t being a team player because they don’t attend team social events. As business owners we all want a cohesive team and sharing social events is a key part of that. However, are we often imposing activities often preferred by extroverts onto introverts, and then judging any reluctance as poor camaraderie?

Over the last decade, there has been so much conversation, debate and legislation about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Often this prompts focus on the inclusivity of different races, genders and age groups. However, true inclusivity should also be cognisant of differing personality styles. To be successful every company needs to attract and retain different personality styles and therefore ‘team building’ should aim to embrace all of these.

Five top tips to inclusive team building:

1. Appreciate that what people enjoy is not the same for everyone.

2. Beware of social activities that revolve around alcohol. These can exclude team members whose religious beliefs do not condone alcohol or where they prefer not to be around alcohol for other personal reasons (that they may not want to share or explain).

3. Engage team members in suggesting ideas for team building activities that they might prefer. Some may want to reflect on it, so give everyone time to think and respond.

4. Keep an open mind and be willing to try new ideas.

5. Schedule a variety of activities that engage different personality types, preferences and interests. Sharing different experiences is part of the process of team bonding.

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

The HR Dept are an outsourced HR services provider supporting local SMEs with their people issues and strategy. For advice on employee engagement, or for 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.

Having served on the Board for a number of years I feel confident that I understand what is required of me.

I am looking forward to supporting Forbes, Ilona and Robyn as they continue to strengthen and expand the scope of our vibrant business community.

During my year of office, I want to see the Kingston Borough Business Awards become even bigger and do all I can to foster joint enterprises with other local Chambers. We have a fantastic Chamber and nothing to fear from collaboration with our neighbours.

Finally, I want to pay tribute to our immediate Past President Julie Leach and my Vice President, Martin Booth. I am very lucky to be associated with them both.

Christopher Hirsch President, Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Chris Hirsch with Julie Leach, a former president of Kingston Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome to our new members

Be Happy Yoga

Lesley Muir

www.behappyyoga.fit

Staywell

Shane Brennan

www.staywellservices.org.uk

EcoSolutions Consulting Ltd

Celia Botha www.auditel.co.uk/celiabotha

Bespoke Advice Ltd

Lisa Lloyd-Franks

www.bespoke-advice.com

Ditton HR

Claire Watt

www.dittonhr.co.uk

Cerno Thames Ltd

Kevin Churchill www.cernothames.com

Zedcarz Ltd

Zed Juneja

www.zedcarz.co.uk

Wobbling Pen

Pauline Hamblin www.wobblingpen.co.uk

M Finn Virtual Admin

Martine Finn www.mfinnvirtualadmin.com

Precision Mortgages

Nigel Codron www.precision-mortgages.co.uk

AI UPSKILL Ltd

Alastair Brown www.ai-upskill.co.uk

Pink Spaghetti Surbiton & Kingston

Yuki Dennis www.pink-spaghetti.co.uk/ contact-us/virtual-assistantsurbiton-kingston/

Nile Training Centre ltd

Yikealo Girmay www.niletrainingcentre.com

Kingston International Film Festival Ltd

David Cunningham www.kiffest.uk

First Perception Ltd

Marco Vitelli www.firstperception.co.uk

RestaurantOne20 Ltd

James Catling jamie.catling@uk.mcd.com

Runfest Ltd

Thomas James Bedford

www.riverthamesrunning.co.uk

The FD Consultant

Romesh Jeyaseelanayagam www.thefdconsultant.com

Kingston Telecom Solutions Ltd

Hamid Pourmand www.kingston-telecom.com

Kingston Architects

Robert Poll

www.kingstonarchitects.com

Man & Boy

Tessa Kind www.manandboy.org

Softservegelato Ltd

Filippo Selini www.deliziagelato.co.uk

Live Your Worth Ltd

Yingli Wang www.liveyourworth.co

Hache Kingston www.hacheburgers.com/hachekingston

TRANSFORM BUSINESS GOALS INTO REALITY WITH MILESTONES

Dons Local Action Group

Rosie Caley

www.donslocalaction.org

Business Therapy Company

Clare Mayell www.businesstherapyco.com

Projects - Exhibit

Edward Earl earlprojects@gmail.com

Kingston Bookkeeping Ltd

Kate Powell www.kingstonbookkeeping.co.uk

Digital Leopard

Kat Bhat www.digitalleopard.co.uk

Escapism

Alison Nicholls www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ alison.nicholls

Thames Dental and Facial

Dr Theodora Bravis www.thamesdentalandskin.co.uk

iStrat Consulting Emeka Okorocha www.istratconsulting.co.uk

Are we there yet ?

Milestones are essential stepping stones, breaking down business goals/objectives into manageable steps. They measure progress, boost morale, and help you and your team envision success. If you haven't mapped your objectives with milestones yet, start now.

If you need help to write a business plan, identify objectives, and map milestones, our strategy team can help. Reach out and let's get started!

A Summer of innovation

At Summers-Inman, we have had a productive and impactful summer, focusing on three key areas: strengthening client relationships, advancing technological innovation, and investing in our team's professional development.

We have prioritised reinforcing our existing client partnerships, recognising that strong relationships are crucial in our competitive industry. This client-centric approach has further solidified our position as a trusted partner in construction consultancy.

A highlight of our summer was the successful installation of a 4-tonne MRI machine at Basildon Hospital. As Project Manager, we coordinated a precise crane lift using a 450-tonne crane with an 80.5m boom. This complex operation was executed in a live hospital environment with minimal disruption, showcasing our ability to handle challenging projects while prioritising safety and efficiency.

Our commitment to social responsibility was evident in our participation in a charity event on June 19th. A part of our team from Summers-Inman took part in a riverside walk, successfully reaching our fundraising

target for Together for Short Lives, an organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Professional development has been another key focus. Our management team completed comprehensive Construction, Design and Management (CDM) training, enhancing our expertise in crucial areas. This investment in skills development brings multiple benefits to clients, including enhanced risk management, improved safety measures, seamless project integration, and future-proofed designs for safer maintenance.

Our summer activities reflect a forwardthinking approach that prioritises both client satisfaction and societal impact, setting a strong foundation for future growth and innovation in the industry.

www.summers-inman.co.uk

MB Associates and MB Commercial & Specialist Lending

MB Associates is an award-winning mortgage broker with offices in Sutton and Cheam.

The company was formed over 20 years ago by Monica Bradley, a local businesswoman who has worked in financial services since 1987, and had a strong vision of one day running her own business.

The company started off with one office in Cheam Village and now has three premises –the most recent opening last year in Sutton as a walk-in mortgage shop. It now has 20 staff and continues to expand.

Several months ago, Monica set up a new limited company called MB Commercial & Specialist Lending, offering borrowing solutions to business owners, investors, developers and entrepreneurs. MB Commercial offers a range of commercial lending solutions including:

• Commercial Mortgage Advice: Expert guidance on acquiring commercial properties

• Tailored Lending Solutions: Bespoke borrowing options tailored to the needs of business owners.

• Key areas of commercial finance offered will include bridging finance, development finance, trading business, portfolio finance, semi-commercial, commercial investment, residential investment, unsecured finance and healthcare sector.

For more information about MB Commercial & Specialist Lending and the services offered, please email Monica Bradley at monica@mbassociates.net

7DOTS partners with Clearwater

In 2009, Sam Page co-founded 7DOTS, a Kingston-based creative innovation agency that is dedicated to crafting extraordinary digital experiences for brands that aspire to elevate themselves beyond their categories.

7DOTS helps brands differentiate themselves, creating genuine competitive advantages and establishing category leadership. The agency works across various sectors, partnering with entities ranging from start-ups to global enterprises.

Sam has consistently made a significant impact at the crossroads of technology, creativity, and business strategy. His philosophy is clear: “I love to harness the power of creativity and technology in marketing, sales, customer experience, and product development. I believe we can create solutions that enhance lives without compromising our planet. My passion lies in positively impacting the world by helping good people and companies pursue their dreams and thrive.”

Recently, 7DOTS partnered with Clearwater, an independent corporate finance house, to reimagine their brand identity and website. They discovered that Clearwater excels at humanising a trade often perceived as cold and callous. They make their services approachable for small business owners, winning the trust of individuals who frequently feel overlooked by the finance industry. Knowing that people don’t naturally trust financiers, we designed a brand that presents Clearwater as a company you can genuinely rely on. The result was a refreshed look and feel that truly represents their impact and vision, paired with a seamless and engaging online experience. While their dedication to excellence remains unchanged, their brand and website now vividly showcase their commitment to making a difference. www.7dots.com

Family Law Update

Changes to Non Court Dispute Resolution

On 29 April 2024, changes were introduced to Family Law procedure which encourages parties to engage in more constructive and less litigious action. Pearson Hards Solicitors set out some of the important changes that came into full effect on that date.

The recent changes to the Family Procedure Rules reflect a shift towards a greater emphasis on Non-Court Dispute Resolution (NCDR). NCDR refers to the various mechanisms which are used to resolve family disputes out of court. It has many advantages including saving parties time, money and emotional stress. Its potential to reduce stress and preserve relationships is particularly important in family disputes where children are involved.

Definition of Non Court Dispute Resolution

Under the new definition expands NCDR to mean ‘methods of resolving a dispute other than through the court process, including but not limited to mediation, arbitration, evaluation by a neutral third party (such as a private FDR process) and collaborative law’. The new definition has widened the scope of NCDR beyond mediation and allows for methods of dispute resolution that are introduced in the future to be included.

The Parties Views

The court can now require the parties to file and serve ‘Form FM5’ which sets out “their views on using non-court dispute resolution as a means of resolving matters raised in the proceedings”.

It is hoped that this will encourage parties to carefully evaluate the different options available to them and take time to reflect on their decisions.

Adjourning Proceedings

Before recent changes, the parties agreement was required before proceedings could be adjourned to enable NCDR to take place. The new regime has removed the need for the parties agreement. The court has the power to use its own initiative to adjourn proceedings to encourage parties to undertake NCDR where it is appropriate.

The Role of Mediation Providers

Mediation providers will be required to explain the potential benefits of mediation and other NCDR options. This will ensure that parties are properly informed about their options (beyond mediation) and therefore better equipped to make a decision on how to resolve their issues.

Conclusion

Although it remains the case that parties cannot be forced to attend NCDR, the amendments represent a greater shift towards a more proactive approach in supporting and encouraging parties to settle matters amicably out of court. Legal professionals will need to ensure their clients are fully informed of the benefits and options of NCDR and the legal implications of failing to engage.

To discuss any of the issues in this article, please email Emma Rothstein, Partner in our Family department at: erothstein@pearsonhards.co.uk.

IQ in IT: Expanding our team, elevating security, and empowering sustainability businesses

As we continue to grow and evolve, we're excited to share some significant updates from our team at IQ in IT. This year has been one of expansion, collaboration, and enhanced focus on supporting businesses, especially those in the sustainability sector.

Expanding our Kingston team

Our Kingston office is thriving, with recent new hires strengthening our helpdesk support. These additions allow us to provide even faster and more efficient service to our clients, ensuring that their IT needs are met with the utmost expertise and care.

Engaging with the Sustainability Sector

We are proud to have deepened our involvement with the sustainability community.

Our active participation in sustainability events, particularly those organised by the Environmental Business Network, reflects our commitment to supporting businesses that are driving positive environmental change. We believe that by empowering these organisations with robust IT solutions, we are contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Expanding across borders

In line with our growth, we are thrilled to announce that we are now supporting clients in the United States. This expansion not only broadens our reach but also allows us to bring our tailored IT solutions to a new market, ensuring that businesses across North America can benefit from our expertise.

Prioritising Security and Risk Management

In an increasingly digital world, security is paramount. We are dedicated to protecting our clients' businesses by identifying current risks and implementing robust security measures. Our focus on cybersecurity ensures that our clients can operate with confidence, knowing that their data and operations are secure.

Appreciating community support

Lastly, we extend our gratitude to the Kingston Chamber of Commerce for their continued support. Being part of such a vibrant business community is a privilege and we look forward to attending future Chamber events to strengthen our connections and engage with fellow businesses. www.iqinit.uk | Email: team@iqinit.uk

Good with outstanding features: Fantastic Ofsted result for South Thames Colleges Group

We are delighted to share with you our latest Ofsted Inspection for South Thames Colleges Group which is our best ever!

The Group, comprising Carshalton, Kingston, Merton and South Thames Colleges, has been rated Good with Outstanding features following an Ofsted inspection in May 2024. The four-day inspection by fifteen Ofsted inspectors at six sites resulted in the Group’s best ever Ofsted outcome. In two of the eight areas of the Ofsted framework, ‘Behaviour and attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development’ an ‘Outstanding’ grade was achieved with five ‘Good’ grades in remaining areas.

The inspectors were impressed with the quality of education overall stating: “Staff at all levels care very much about their learners and apprentices and provide them with excellent support, including counselling and exceptional support for mental health” and noted that they “thrive in an inclusive, caring and welcoming environment.”

The group is proud of its students and staff for this amazing result. You can read the full Ofsted report by scanning the QR code.

Things picking up at Riverside Walk

The sun has arrived just in time for the school summer holidays and the site has been a popular spot for lazy days by the Thames.

Go boat continue to be a hugely popular destination for residents and day trippers, our live music nights, free every alternate Thursday, are also proving appealing to our visitors.

We have been working closely with the Koppel Project, who have opened artist's studios in our vacant office site, above TK maxx. Studios are available on a flexible basis for those who need affordable space with great natural light and a

vibrant creative community environment. Koppel project was founded in 2016 and specialise in providing spaces for early and mid-career artists. For more information visit their website: https://thekoppelproject.com/locations/ koppel-kingston

We at Riverside Walk take great pride in supporting Kingston's vibrant creative community and this is another project we are delighted to support.

Sustainable September returns

Next month sees Sustainable September return to Kingston for a third year. It’s a point in the calendar where we celebrate work taking place to create a greener borough for current and future generations.

September coincides with the second anniversary of Kingston Green Businesses Community (KGBC). We will celebrate this via a Roundtable Discussion on ‘Think Green - Harnessing the power of a Green Economy and New Technologies’ and networking, at TownSq, 10 September, 4:30 - 6:00pm. Book your tickets here.

In support of our businesses, we’re launching a series of free workshops on energy efficiency, food waste recycling across hospitality businesses, and sustainable transport. These will help local businesses save money, resources and demonstrate their commitment to the environment. The workshops will be taking place in local venues in Surbiton, Tolworth, Kingston and North Kingston.

On Saturday 28 September, our Kingston Green Business Community member, KAPDAA, in partnership with Kingston Council and Kingston First, will showcase their portable AI solution to reduce garment waste in Kingston Ancient Market Square. This innovative system helps prevent used garments from going to landfill. Hold the date to bring your unwanted garments and see sustainable fashion technology in action. Express your interest here https://bit.ly/3Asm9C1.

We are also collaborating with Kingston University, Chamber of Commerce and other partners to plan an event on Circular Economy which will take place at Kingston University on 18 November. There will be workshops, roundtable discussions and an exhibition, all of which will work toward helping the business community embrace the idea of a circular economy. Book your tickets here

For more information, please contact business@kingston.gov.uk and visit the Kingston Green Business Community website for updates.

Kingston University establishes strategic partnership with Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education in the Republic of Korea

Kingston University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with the Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education in the Republic of Korea.

Through this strategic partnership, Kingston University and Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education will jointly develop and collaborate on an ambitious global agenda for the future of education, forging relationships with partner institutions across the education sector.

The agreement was signed at the University’s award-winning Town House building by Vice-Chancellor Professor Steven Spier and Superintendent for Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education Dong Ho Sul.

At the signing ceremony, Professor Spier outlined how the agreement will build on the University’s ongoing relationship with the Republic of Korea. “The partnership will strengthen mutual ties with Kingston Council and the local Korean community – who we are proud to have as our neighbours and friends,” Professor Spier said.

The agreement reflects a shared ambition to prepare future generations for the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial

intelligence. Daejeon is recognised as a designated Metropolitan city for science and technology, home to many institutions leading studies and research in artificial intelligence and digital education. Kingston University is leading the way in the United Kingdom with its Future Skills model of education, which is preparing students for career success in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Superintendent for Daejeon Metropolitan Office of Education Dong Ho Sul emphasised how this agreement will benefit education across the two countries. “This memorandum will serve as a cornerstone for driving innovation and improvements that can enhance the future of education,” Mr Dong Ho Sul said. “It will allow us to understand each other's education systems, grow together, and make continuous efforts to contribute to the advancement of education in both countries.”

“The partnership will strengthen mutual ties with Kingston Council and the local Korean community – who we are proud to have as our neighbours and friends”

PANIC!

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), commonly referred to as ‘furlough’ was introduced by the UK Government in March 2020. While relatively unheard of prior to the pandemic we have, since March 2020, been consistently hearing or using this word.

In this article Sheetul Sowdagar from Russell-Cooke gives some top tips to wrap your head around furlough fraud and dealing with enquiries.

LANDLORDS TAKE HEED: important lessons in recovering possession of commercial property

You may or may not know that the Oxford English Dictionary defines furlough as “to give somebody permission to leave their duties for a period of time”.

In the press, we have seen increasing mention of ‘furlough fraud.’ It has recently been estimated that the UK Government is likely to write off £4.3 billion pounds in furlough fraud.

The High Court has recently handed down its judgment in the case of McDonalds Restaurants Limited v Shirayama Shokusan Company Ltd which has provided further clarity on how landlords can rely on section 30(1) (g) of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (ground (g)).

Request for a new lease

What is furlough fraud?

Examples of furlough fraud could include:

McDonalds was the tenant of premises in County Hall, London. McDonalds issued a section 26 notice requesting the grant of a new lease from the landlord in December 2016. The landlord opposed the request, relying on ground (g). This enables a landlord to oppose a lease renewal if they intend to use the property (entirely or partly) for their own occupation.

• Furloughed staff being asked to continue to work;

Terminating McDonald’s tenancy

• Claiming furlough pay for staff who did not qualify for the scheme;

• Claiming furlough pay for ‘made up’ staff;

• Over-claiming furlough pay;

• Not passing the full amount of furlough pay to the furloughed employees;

In response to McDonalds’ section 26 request in 2016, the landlord made an application under section 29 of the Act seeking an order terminating McDonalds’ tenancy. The case came to trial in 2018 where the landlord stated its intentions to run a Japanese restaurant from the premises called ‘Zen Bento’ and gave an undertaking to the court to that effect. The judge was satisfied that the landlord had proved the required intention to occupy the premises for the purpose of carrying on their own business and McDonald’s were refused a new lease. McDonalds vacated the premises in February 2019.

• Deliberately providing false information to receive furlough pay from HMRC.

By November 2019 that the landlord had not opened ‘Zen Bento’ and appeared to be running a coffee shop/bakery, which was entirely different to what had been proposed in the 2018 proceedings.

While it is understood that only a very small minority intended to defraud HMRC, it is known that HMRC have started ramping up their investigations and actively following up on tip-offs received. Many business owners in the UK who had accessed

McDonalds subsequently sued the landlord on grounds of deceit and misrepresentation, claiming that its tenancy was terminated in 2018 because the landlord had misrepresented its intentions.

Satisfying ground (g)

A landlord must show that the purpose of occupancy is for their own business, which they

will take up in a reasonable time after termination of the tenant’s tenancy.

Harriet

Senior associate

A landlord can change its mind after trial, leaving a tenant with no remedy, provided the landlord can show at the date of trial that the intention existed. However, a tenant may have a remedy if it can prove that the original intention never existed, and a misrepresentation was made to the court.

the furlough scheme to help retain their employees during the pandemic may receive queries from HMRC. These could even be in cases where only legitimate furlough claims had been made.

Help – I’ve had a query from HMRC

If a tenant’s claim is successful, the court may order the landlord to pay the tenant compensation under section 37A of the Act for damage or loss sustained as the result of the original order refusing the grant of a new tenancy.

Below are some practical tips to help you respond to any queries received.

Tip 1: Do not panic!

Satisfying the requirements of ground (g) can be quite a high threshold; a landlord must show a fixed and settled desire to do that which it intends to do, and that it has a reasonable prospect of being about to bring about that result.

Following the termination of McDonalds’ lease in 2018, there was a chain of emails from the landlord to an architecture firm containing plans for a new ‘grab and go’ restaurant, which was also emailed to another 88 individuals, who apparently were not connected to the landlord’s business.

show your intention of being cooperative, but will also help address any issues, without the need for escalation.

Tip 3: Make sure you review your records and keep copies.

Further emails were sent pitching ideas for the premises ranging from a Michelin star restaurant to a Spanish restaurant.

The judgment

This will allow you to refresh your memory and more importantly have all your documents ready to disclose to HMRC if needed.

Tip 4: Be transparent.

For a claim of ‘deceit’ to succeed, the claimant must show:

1. a false representation made by the defendant to the claimant;

Understand that HMRC may be following up leads or simply asking questions to ensure that all claims made were done so properly.

2. the defendant knows that representation is false, or acts recklessly as to whether that is true;

Tip 2: Do not bury your head in the sand.

3. the defendant intends that the claimant’s actions rely on the false representation; and

The judge awarded compensation pursuant to s37A, but dismissed the claim in damages for the alleged deceit. The judge was satisfied that the landlord didn’t intend to occupy the premises to run ‘Zen Bento’ following the termination of McDonalds’ tenancy. It was accepted that the landlord intended to open a restaurant, but the plans were ‘up in the air’. The landlord had misled the court at the preliminary issue trial and compensation was awarded to McDonalds, which will be determined at a later trial.

In the event you realise that a mistake has been made, or any overpayments have occurred, make sure you promptly inform HMRC.

Tip 5: Keep records for a minimum of six years.

The claim of deceit was dismissed as the judge was not satisfied that the landlord intended for McDonalds to have acted in reliance on the misrepresentations. Rather, the judge felt the landlord had been attempting to mislead the court into making the termination order.

What can landlords learn?

4. the claimant does act in reliance on the misrepresentation and consequently suffers a loss.

Issues raised

While it is easy to get distracted in keeping the business running, it is important to understand that this is not going to go away. If you cannot find time yourself to engage with HMRC, then make sure you instruct an adviser who can do so on your behalf.

The judge made two observations. Section 37A doesn’t require misrepresentation to be deliberate or reckless, but it is difficult to see how an accidental misrepresentation could be made pursuant to ground (g). Additionally, to secure compensation under section 37A, the claimant must prove that the termination of the tenancy or the refusal to grant a new lease was as a result of misrepresentation or concealment of facts.

Even if you were successful in addressing any queries and the matter was subsequently resolved, do keep your records for a minimum of six years to assist you with any potential future queries.

The case highlights the complexities and nuances that a landlord must consider in attempting to oppose the grant of a new lease relying on ground (g). Whilst a landlord can change its mind regarding its intention for the property, a rapid change of course suggests that the original plan was untrue and thus McDonald’s claim under s37A succeeded.

We can help

It is often too easy to say that we ‘will deal with this later’ and soon enough a month or more has gone by. It is always better to be proactive and start engaging with HMRC as soon as possible. This will not only

In particular the judge noted that McDonalds had previously given an undertaking to the court that it intended to open a restaurant called ‘Zen Bento’.

Sheetul Sowdagar

Direct: +44 (0)20 7440 4806

Email: Sheetul.Sowdagur@russell-cooke.co.uk

Written by senior associate Harriet Allsop and trainee Louise Bonnici

Harriet assists businesses and individuals in managing and resolving disputes in relation to both commercial and residential properties. Get in touch via the contact information.

It goes without saying that if any actions are being taken against you by HMRC, please seek independent legal advice urgently. Contact our senior associate Sheetul Sowdagar in our professional regulation team, for help.

Building purpose-driven partnerships with charitable organisations makes such good sense

Want to build an ambitious partnership in the current corporate landscape? Please don’t do it because it feels as though it’s the ‘right thing to do’ or a responsibility to tick a box. Do it because you want to create a lasting legacy and make a difference whilst benefitting as a business.

The corporate landscape has changed over the last five years. We are all feeling the squeeze and recognise things are not going to improve in the short-term. With that, we need to approach fundraising more sensitively than ever while costs to our supporters continues to rise.

Companies have shifting new conflicting priorities, which is why purpose-driven partnerships are more relevant than ever and recognise that long-term partnerships bring both parties closer to achieving their missions. Partnerships with charities work best when they are true partnerships; where both organisations benefit. It’s about working together to fulfil specific objectives and, even better, to fulfil shared objectives.

So how can YOU make a difference?

Partnerships must be mutually beneficial and highly impactful. This means that by working together and helping to understand one another’s priorities, we agree on much needed solutions that we both benefit from.

Working with charities is a great opportunity to give back to society, whilst creating a healthier, happier and engaged workforce with valuable connections within your local community.

Whether your goal is to increase employee engagement, improve brand awareness, support local, build public trust or to attract new staff, working in partnership with charities can be highly beneficial.

So why is it important to give back to society? Let’s face it, we’re all experiencing difficult times at the moment. Money is tight. As a

knock-on effect, charities have experienced huge declines in funding. Remember, giving back to society isn’t always about donating money; though it can really help!

There are many ways to get involved, such as offering pro-bono support, or staff volunteering, sharing messaging, participating at events such as the London Marathon, having talks or training delivered by the charity, supporting campaigns, donating raffle prizes, making a donation or encouraging staff to fundraise and match fund their donations. The list is endless!

Working with charities is a great opportunity to give back to society, whilst creating a healthier, happier and engaged workforce with valuable connections within your local community. That’s why charity partnerships are so much more than just two organisations coming together in support of one another; it’s about making a positive difference and improving people’s lives.

Make a real positive difference today

If you recognise the value in supporting charities, start thinking about how your company can get involved. Think about the time you can give, the expertise you can offer and the impact you wish to make. Get your staff involved in recommending the charities you wish to work with and ideas on how you can work together.

Additionally, aside from the ethical responsibility of a firm, an organisation’s commitment to its CSR can be a factor when applying for tender contracts and winning new customers.

Working with charities is a great opportunity to give back to society, whilst creating a healthier, happier and engaged workforce with valuable connections within your local community. That’s why charity partnerships are so much more than just two organisations coming together in support of one another; it’s about making a positive difference and improving people’s lives.

image by 123rf

Cerno ThamesWorkplace and Commercial Mediation Services

Ask the Expert: Kevin Churchill

How can I resolve conflict between people in my team?

From time to time in almost every organisation conflict arises amongst colleagues that distracts the team from focusing on its goals. As a business owner, founder, leader or manager in a business or organisation being pre-occupied with team conflict is uncomfortable, time consuming and costly. This is equally true if you are in the conflict yourself, as it is if you are the person responsible for sorting it out. It is understandable that resolving team conflict can seem like a daunting task. However, conflict in the workplace can be managed and resolved and professional relationships can be improved and rebuilt. The people and the organisation can both return to focusing on their goals.

Workplace mediation is a way that can help to manage and resolve workplace conflict. Where does conflict in the workplace come from?

Conflict in the workplace arises from a disagreement about a piece of work, its content, the approach or the speed at which the work is expected to be done, and by who. The conflict situation can be made better or worse by the assumptions, understanding and behaviour of the people involved as well as the team or organisational culture which forms the background to a lot of workplace conflict situations. Add in other sources of professional and personal stress in life, and it’s no surprise that levels of workplace conflict are increasing.

What is Workplace Mediation?

Workplace mediation is a way to manage and resolve workplace conflict. Put simply, workplace mediation is a structured and supported conversation between the two people in conflict, with the independent, impartial mediator, to resolve the differences and to agree a better way to work together in the future.

The process of workplace mediation first is one of explaining, listening, discussing and exploring each other’s perspectives on the situation, so at least common understanding can be reached. From there workplace mediation is a process of continuing the dialogue between the parties and the mediator, to agree on how to work together in the future. Whilst agreement on the past events might not be reached, at least with common understanding of the past, an agreement about future working arrangements is possible, and in most cases, likely.

How long does it take?

A workplace mediation typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from start to finish.

It is made up of a mix of individual meetings with each person and the mediator, and a joint-meeting with both people and the mediator in a room together. This continues until both people have been heard and have listened to the other person’s point of view and have each had an opportunity to discuss the past and plan for the future.

If an agreement is reached, for example on a way of working together in the future, or a way of communicating in the future, this is written up into a ‘Heads of Agreement’ that is signed by both people, and then taken back to the workplace to be implemented.

Is workplace mediation private and confidential?

Yes. All aspects of workplace mediation are private and confidential and known only by the two people in the mediation, and the independent mediator. No details or content of the discussion is shared with anyone else outside of the mediation room, including with anyone else from HR, the organisation or the business.

Kevin is an independent workplace mediator who specialises in helping businesses, local authorities, universities and the NHS to resolve workplace conflict and to find solutions that last.

Kevin also accepts requests to mediate from members of the public. He is a CEDR and CMC accredited and has undertaken more than forty mediation and conflict coaching cases.

Kevin has an MBA from Imperial College and an MSc from the London School of Economics.

If workplace mediation sounds like it could help you or your team please call Kevin on +44 (0)7798 816169, or email him at kevin.churchill@cernothames.com

The growing green economy provides considerable job opportunities as we race towards the net zero agenda.

Learning Sustainably

The UK has set a target to reach net zero emissions target by 2050. Along the way the UK government aims to reduce all direct emissions from public sector buildings by 50% and 75% by 2032 and 2037 respectively, against a 2017 baseline.

The South Thames Colleges Group Net Zero Training Hub has been set up to support the development of a skilled workforce to help achieve these targets, by providing courses to develop the much needed skills within this sector.

Our courses provide national qualifications in topics such as installation of solar photovoltaic systems, retrofit and energy efficiency and energy assessment.

Our instructors are experts in their field and provide hands-on training and practical experience to ensure that our students are fully equipped to succeed in this growing industry.

At Kingston College we offer:

• Level 3 Electric/Hybrid Motor Vehicle Maintenance

At South Thames College we offer:

• Level 3 Air Source Heat Pumps Installation

• Level 3 Domestic Energy Assessment

• Level 2 Retrofitting & Level 3 Retrofit Advisor

• Level 3 Installation of Solar PV Systems

• Level 3 Design and Installation of Domestic and small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations.

At Merton College we offer:

• Introduction & Level 3 Air Source Heat Pumps Installation

• Introduction & Level 2 Retrofitting

• Introduction & Level 3 Installation of Solar PV Systems

• Level 3 Solar Thermal hot water system

• Level 3 Design and Installation of Domestic and small Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Installations.

To enrol on one of these courses please scan the QR code or visit stcg.ac.uk/net-zero, to make a difference to the world we live in.

Let’s make London even greater together

Karim Fatehi MBE, the new Chief Executive Officer of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, talks to Sarah Dale about members’ expectations of the new Government and why he is so passionate about being an adopted Londoner.

Karim Fatehi’s passion for London shines through when you speak to him. He lives and breathes the city he made his home having moved from Iran to the UK in 1976 to study when he was 15.

“I have been very privileged to have lived here in the UK where I received the best education,” explains Karim, who is the new CEO of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

“Education is something I always cherish. As long as you have the education, you’re halfway there. I always had ambition and have had the opportunity to run two successful businesses. And my children are very successful too – my daughter is a trainee doctor and my son works for Google. I want to see this success for everyone.

“As an immigrant, I do cherish the UK as the biggest opportunity for people globally.”

In 1995, he founded United Corporation, an engineering procurement management company in the oil and gas sector. The company has twice won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2007 and 2011. He is now a judge of the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.

He was awarded an MBE for services to international trade in 2012.

“It’s not a decision I have taken lightly,” says Karim, of taking the Interim CEO role at LCCI in October 2023. The role was made permanent in March 2024.

“But my instinct was to accept the job.

“I’m well engaged with decision-makers and stakeholders and our own members, having been on the Board since 2022 and a member of LCCI for seven years.

“The real voice is our members. It could be a

“Education is something I always cherish. As long as you have the education, you’re halfway there. I always had ambition and have had the opportunity to run two successful businesses. And my children are very successful too – my daughter is a trainee doctor and my son works for Google. I want to see this success for everyone.”

one-man operation or patron members with hundreds of employees, we represent them all.”

Since Karim took the helm, membership has increased to 8,500 businesses and the number of patron members has increased too.

“As an entrepreneur myself, I’m very privileged to be in this position,” says Karim, who has two grandchildren aged four and 18 months.

“It has a lot of responsibility, a full sevendays-a-week with the changes in the new Government.

“My priority is London competitiveness, it’s something that really matters to me. London directly impacts the UK economy. London’s success hinges on the ability to operate smoothly. The new Government can ensure that London remains attractive for inward investment and tourism. We need inward investment.”

The challenges ahead

To ensure London remains globally competitive, Karim says that there are several issues which will have to be addressed including infrastructure, skills and entrepreneurship, business visas, business crime, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), business rates, tax-free shopping, arts and culture, and affordable housing.

The LCCI released its report, Securing London’s Prosperity: Manifesto for Business Resilience and Growth, prior to the general election highlighting the above issues and what members want to see the Government put in place to ensure economic growth in the UK.

Karim says he welcomes the new Government, adding: “We cherish this opportunity to make this great city of London even greater.

“We have a lot to ask and we’re not expecting miracles. I talk to members every day and we need to be more flexible, agile and address the businesses’ asks.

“We need a highly skilled workforce, that is crucial to our longevity, to our economy; we need to put the infrastructure in the right place to build our businesses; we need an agile training programme for SMEs which will include short-term visas; we need to reduce business crime.

“We are working very closely with the Metropolitan Police on reducing businessrelated crime. The police are doing a great job but are short on resources.

“Funding is essential for transport in London and connectivity to the North. The Government should not delay on this.

“I’m very hopeful about the new Chancellor’s plans to build more affordable housing. We need a sustainable business-friendly system for affordable housing, and we need more affordable housing near London so people can afford to work here.

“I used to travel overseas, and I know that our universities are the top universities in the world. We need to address the visa issue. It will promote a skills boost and help us be globally competitive, particularly London.

“London is a city of arts and culture and people around the world have a dream of visiting our capital and we must make it attractive. We need funding for arts and culture; it’s part of our constitution.”

“London is a city of arts and culture and people around the world have a dream of visiting our capital and we must make it attractive. We need funding for arts and culture; it’s part of our constitution.”

Women in business

The LCCI has “always been positive” and committed to EDI. The LCCI has a Women in Business group which aims to grow the representation of women in underrepresented sectors and promote inclusivity as a marketplace and financial advantage.

“It is encouraging to see that 44 per cent of the new Cabinet are women; it sends out a positive message,” he says.

“We need to have an equitable environment. My Chair and Deputy Chair Julia OnslowCole and Claire Broadbelt are both lawyers. They have a vision, they’re proactive and completely supportive. I’m very privileged to work with them both.”

Looking to the future, Karim’s vision for LCCI is to look at the weaknesses and the positives of the organisation to ensure they can do everything they can for members and have “a proper dial-up with Government as the voice of London”.

“Without that, we can’t echo the voice of our members,” he adds.

“I had the privilege of talking to Sir Keir Starmer before the election and he said to me if they don’t have that feedback from us, they can’t make big decisions on business. We are the voice of 8,500 businesses across London and we want to ensure we’re heard.”

Kingston Chambers of Commerce is proud to be an affiliated member of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI is an accredited member of The British Chambers of Commerce.

The Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce

October 31, 2024

The new Kingston & Merton Expo 2024 will deliver the platform to showcase your organisation in the thriving South London business community.

The EXPO24 will be a dynamic event that offers a diverse range of opportunities for networking, learning, and business development, speed networking sessions, business advisors and 40+ exhibitors. It is the ideal showcase for your business!

up today and exhibit with us! office@kingstonchamber.co.uk I info@mertonchamber.co.uk www.kingstonchamber.co.uk/business-expo-2024

The Expo was well worth visiting. A great mix between seminars, speed networking and a great opportunity to find and collaborate with local businesses.

Nothing beats good hospitality and conducting business face-to-face

The hospitality sector in Kingston is seeing a welcome rise in face-to-face business events. There are lots of great venues to choose from across Kingston whether it’s somewhere for a coffee and chat, a special dinner or to host a prestigious event. For something a little different, Go boat (on the riverside) continue to be a hugely popular destination for residents and day trippers.

Talking to professionals at Chamber business breakfasts, Women in Business lunches, business Forums and networking events, there is always a positive buzz in the room,with several different conversations taking place and members enjoying refreshments as they exchange business ideas and leads.

Listen carefully and there is always an undercurrent murmuring of ‘You can’t beat actually being in a room with other business people’. Putting faces to names, exchanging pleasantries and finding things in common, cracking a business problem with the help of supportive interventions – they all help build stronger, more meaningful connections in a way that LinkedIn interactions or virtual networking events simply don’t do as well.

If you are looking for a food and drink supplier or venue for your event, have a chat with one of the Chamber team for an introduction.

info@kingstonchamber.co.uk

www.kingstonchamber.co.uk

DESSERT MENU

with our all-in-one solution for cafes, pubs, restaurants, event caterers to serve superior artisan gelato and frozen beverages from one machine. Boost your profits with our easy-to-use, high quality setup.

• Premium Soft Serve Italian machine

• Top quality ready-to-mix artisan gelato bases

• Easy to prepare, easy to serve, easy maintenance

• One machine - multiple products (gelato, bowls, shakes, frozen cocktails)

• End to end continuous and personalized support

EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR CHRISTMAS AT SMOK'D/ RAM JAM RECORDS

Award Winning BBQ, live entertainment, cocktails & more, perfect for a special Christmas celebration in Kingston upon Thames.

Tucked away behind The Grey Horse, Kingston is one of the borough's best kept secrets, 'A speakeasy bar - small in size but huge in spirit...' The Kingston Courier.

Ram Jam Records is a unique and intimate venue with live music, comedy and more, serving all the incredible food and drinks from the multi-award winning Smok'd pub they are ajoined to.

The Grey Horse Smok'd is renowned for some of the best burgers & BBQ in London, their famous meats are prepped for hours in a dedicated kitchen by The Pit Master! With a hugely impressive back bar, their mixologists shake up locally renowned classic and signature cocktails, as well as advising on a huge range of whisky (they have one of the biggest collections of Scotch in London!).

Smok'd will be releasing their Christmas Menus in September and taking advance bookings for tables in their restaurant, as well as Friday night Comedy, their Saturday night 'Speakeasy Party' and further events.

Use the exclusive reference KCOCXMAS for a 5% Kingston Chamber member discount on Christmas parties, private and tailor made entertaiment: info@ramjamrecords.co.uk .

46 Richmond Rd, Kingston Upon Thames, KT2 5EE 020 8617 9860 greyhorse@smokd.co.uk

OPENING TIMES:

SUN - THURS - 12PM - 11PM (10PM FOOD) FRI + SAT - 12PM - 1AM (10PM FOOD) www.grey-horse.co.uk

Art exhibition officially opened by Bulgaria Ambassador

A new exhibition showcasing the work of a father and daughter duo has been officially opened at The Winning Gallery opposite Hampton Court Palace.

The exhibition featured vibrant fine art paintings and exquisite wall wood decorations, as well as mirrors and furniture in Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Empire styles. These pieces are the remarkable creations of duo ProDan Tanev and Irina Taneva.

Each artwork tells its own story, blending philosophy and creativity with the artists' shared values of connecting with nature, beauty and harmony in our lives and surroundings.

The exhibition was officially opened by the esteemed H.E. Mr. Tihomir

Stoytchev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in Bulgaria.

The artists said they were “deeply honoured by his support and presence” which made the occasion “truly special”. They also thanked the Bulgarian Embassy in London for their “incredible support” and all the guests who attended the opening in July.

Find out more about the artists’ work at www.carvingart.london and www.irinataneva.com

Each artwork tells its own story, blending philosophy and creativity with the artists' shared values of connecting with nature, beauty and harmony in our lives and surroundings.

WhosOff has a new staff hub to organise records

Whatever type of business you are in or run, when you start talking about managing your staff leave or managing staff sick leave you have trouble not to say: “Who’s off?”. WhosOff is a global brand managed from Canterbury and delivered around the world from the UK. Many WhosOff users around the UK are Chamber members.

Going live in 2007, WhosOff is a true success story of continued change, growth and innovation that now sees the product used by more than 2,700 businesses to manage staff leave and other absence online. Used by companies in over 70 countries around the world the WhosOff brand is owned and operated by X:drive Computing Limited, based in Canterbury.

CEO Reg Groombridge believes constant

change over the years and delivering on customer expectation is the key to maintaining their position as a leader in the staff leave management market. Many companies still have staff working from home two or three days a week, and online tools that help companies manage their staff and absence seamlessly are essential.

Accurate management of all staff leave is critical to having happy employee/employer relations. No one wants to be shortchanged on their remaining leave balance and to the same account an employer does not want to give away extra days in error, due to a poor leave management. Employees do not want to find out after applying for leave that too many staff are already off or other key personnel, that they cannot be off with, are already off. WhosOff can instantly spot such issues and advise at the time of applying. WhosOff delivers an accessible, easy to use system which also covers the things you need to record about your staff, starting with their leave and absence. The new Staff Hub area can also store and collect log emergency contacts, right to work details, certificates held, permits, memberships, job titles and progression, reminders on expiry dates and renewals.

CEO Reg Groombridge

Volunteers honoured at the Kingston Communities Awards

The work of voluntary and community organisations from across the borough were showcased at the Kingston Celebrating Communities Awards 2024.

The event was held in recognition of the amazing contribution of volunteers and communities across Kingston at All Saints Church in Kingston Town Centre.

Over 300 guests attended to recognise outstanding achievements under eight award categories including unsung hero, volunteer impact, community fundraiser, young volunteer, community team, working in partnership and lifetime achievement.

Emily Forey, winner of the Young Carer Award, said: “I volunteer for Kingston young carers, I am a young carer. For me it means giving back to other young carers and making a difference to their lives.”

The event was hosted by Louise Footner, Executive Director of Residents and Communities, Kingston Council and Sanja Djeric Kane, CEO, Kingston Voluntary Action.

Louise said: “The Kingston Celebrating Communities Awards was such a lovely event that really showed what makes our communities in Kingston so great. I was

honoured to be part of the awards and it was amazing to see some of the contributions people had made to our borough and what it meant to them to receive an award for their outstanding achievements.”

Sanja said: “It was a joy and privilege to welcome over 300 Kingston volunteers and community members at the Kingston Celebrating Communities Awards 2024. I can’t remember seeing so many faces with genuine smiles for a very long time. The atmosphere at All Saints, who kindly hosted the event, was electrifying. To repeat what someone else said on the evening, everyone there was a winner.”

The awards were coordinated in partnership by Kingston Voluntary Action, Kingston Council, All Saints Church, Kingston Carers Network, MIND, Refugee Action Kingston, Korean Senior Citizens, Kingston Citizens Advice Bureau, Kingston Centre for Independent Living and Volunteering Kingston (Groundwork).

“I volunteer for Kingston young carers, I am a young carer. For me it means giving back to other young carers and making a difference to their lives.” Emily Forey, winner of the Young Carer Award

The award winners:

Unsung Hero AwardTracey O’Shea, Kingston

Churches Action on Homelessness (KCAH)

Young Volunteer AwardEmily Forey, Young Carers

Community FundraiserSarva Kumararajah, Centre for the Healthy Mind (Tamil Community Development)

Community Team AwardThe Kingston Talking Newspaper

Working in Partnership AwardRefugee Action Kingston Community Hub / RBKares

Volunteer Impact AwardSheena Crankson, Fast Minds

Lifetime achievement AwardPatricia Monro, Refugee Action

Kingston and Beverley Wan, Kingston Chinese Association

Images courtesy of Kingston Council

Money collected from developers sees £1.6 million injection of cash for local projects

A new way of awarding money raised from developers to support community projects has seen a £1.6 million injection of funding in 42 schemes across the borough over the past two years.

The borough’s parks and open spaces have benefitted from more than £600,000 of investment, while more than £250,000 has been poured into biodiversity projects. Community projects including community churches, libraries and outdoor activities have received over £250,000 of funding, and more than £190,000 has been used to support disability projects and work with under-represented groups. Over £10,000 has also been invested in public art projects.

The Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy (NCIL) is a charge councils collect from developers who commence certain types of developments. It is unique in that the money raised is awarded to the areas where specific developments are taking place - a system designed so that developers pay directly back into the community.

Kingston Council introduced a new NCIL bidding and awards process in 2022 to encourage bids from a wider variety of projects.

The next round of NCIL funding is now open for expressions of interest until 16 October 2024. Information on NCIL, and guidance on the bidding process can be found on the Kingston Let’s Talk website.

The River Thames Schemewhat it means for local businesses

Focused on an area between Egham and Teddington, the River Thames Scheme (RTS) will reduce the risk of flooding to thousands of homes, businesses and vital infrastructure

A collaboration between the Environment Agency and Surrey County Council, the scheme will create a new flood channel, built in two sections, plus green open spaces for recreation, wildlife habitats and sustainable travel routes.

By reducing flood risk the RTS aims to increase businesses' resilience and long-term viability;

safeguarding physical assets, helping to ensure business continuity, and securing key infrastructure. Opportunities will also be available during construction.

There is more information for businesses and business groups on the RTSBusinessEngagement section of the RTS website.

NCIL is one of a number of funding streams available to community organisations. Information about other smaller grant programmes can be found on the Kingston Council website.

Vine Close Community Garden, Surbiton

New business volunteers needed to support students in Kingston and Richmond

Young Enterprise, a national charity empowering young entrepreneurs, is recruiting several business volunteers willing to mentor student companies from Kingston and Richmond schools through its Company Programme.

Company Programme allows students aged 15 to 19 to establish their own companies, take on Director roles, and use their creativity in designing, marketing, and selling their own products or services. Registered as a branch of Young Enterprise and insured for public sales, these student-run companies can sell shares to raise capital and are equipped with a business current account.

The students will gain valuable experience by selling their products and services at markets across London. Any profits generated by the student companies are entirely theirs to keep.

Throughout the spring, these companies compete at Borough and Area levels, with the potential to progress to the London, UK, and European finals during the summer.

Company Programme runs throughout the academic year, typically involving weekly meetings (term-time only) amounting to 12-18 meetings over the course of the year. Young Enterprise assigns all student companies a business volunteer prepared to guide the students through running their business - and this is where you come in!

Young Enterprise will provide full training and an enhanced DBS background check, before matching you to a school/student company whose geography and weekly meetings suit your needs.

Mandy Pooler joined Young Enterprise in Kingston and Richmond as a new business adviser last year and says: “Becoming a business volunteer has been fascinating and a worthwhile experience. Company Programme is a well-designed, fast-paced programme for students, educators and business volunteers alike, replicating the challenges and fun of

business and entrepreneurship at a critical time in young people’s lives.”

Your role would be to:

Work with a group of students

• Help them to develop and run a successful company.

• Early on you will need to take a positive lead, then step back to being a mentor and facilitator.

Be a motivator

• Encourage students throughout the process. Advise and raise awareness of skills

• Act as a consultant e.g. guide, help and suggest and remember the principle of “learning by doing”.

• Any specialism within business is a welcome bonus; colleagues/friends can also be roped in for one-offs on subjects you feel they could offer insight into.

• Business expertise is not essential: volunteers come from all backgrounds.

• Awareness of core employability skills is important e.g., initiative, teamwork, resilience, to provide a framework and wider context for the students’ progress and development.

Represent YE within the Company and school

• Maintain contact with the YE contact educator to arrange dates of meetings.

• Encourage completion of student pre- and post-evaluation.

• Encourage engagement with wider YEprovided activities (trade fairs; competitions).

• Ensure compliance with programme rules and regulations.

As a business volunteer, you would need to commit one hour at the school every week (term-time only) with student company meetings starting around late September / early October.

For more information, visit https://young-enterprise.goassemble.com/ opportunities/68375-business-volunteerrichmond-kingston-2024-06-24

Women in Business Forum 26 September 2024

Empower Learn Inspire Connect

The Women in Business Forum 2024 is a unique opportunity to step away from day-to-day operations and connect with fellow business women in interactive sessions, enabling you to work ON your business, not just IN it.

This is the first local Women in Business Forum and will provide an inclusive platform for women to invest in their professional developments, share business experiences and unlock the full potential of their careers.

Amongst our guests will be SME business owners, leaders, aspiring entrepreneurs, professionals from various industries, business students and recent graduates.

The importance of women in business in the UK cannot be overstated. Despite facing numerous challenges, women in business continue to break barriers and redefine leadership.

From driving economic growth and innovation to enhancing corporate performance and fostering social equality, the contributions of women are vital.

Kingston Chamber would like to thank our Forum Gold Sponsor, Home Instead, and our Sponsors, 7DOTS, CEM Bookkeeping, Kingston University and HR Dept for their support for this inaugural Women in Business Forum.

Register today and contribute to this new and important business event.

The Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce

FUTURE OF WORK SUMMIT

JUNE

7, 2024

Kingston Chamber of Commerce would like to say a big thank you to everyone who contributed to the Future of Work Summit on Friday 7th June 2024.

We would like to thank our Headline Sponsors, Kingston University and Kingston Council for their ongoing support and to our Summit Gold Sponsors HR Dept, Zedcarz and Business Clan, who contributed to the success of this business forum.

With over 155 attendees, the spirit of learning, to network and to understand what goes on in the borough was truly uplifting.

From our roundtable specialists who discuss the value of culture in the borough and effective leadership, to our excellent business seminar speakers, to OMNI and speed networking and to our guests Studio Zao for the Ai seminar. We would also like to thank Handelsbanken who began the programme with a clear and informative economic overview. It was a genuine pleasure to host this Future of Work Summit and look forward to developing the programme for 2025.

www.kingstonchamber.co.uk

Confidence in UK business continues to rise in Q2 - BCC

The BCC’s Quarterly Economic Survey – the UK’s largest and longest-running independent business survey – shows measures of business confidence and business conditions slightly improved in Q2 2024, albeit from a very low base.

Compared with 36 per cent in Q1, in Q2, 38 per cent of firms said they had seen an increase in domestic sales over the previous three months, while 43 per cent reported no change, and 20 per cent a decrease.

After a static picture in Q1, business confidence has increased slightly in Q2 – 58 per cent of firms say they are expecting an increase in turnover over the next year compared with 56 per cent in Q1, 29 per cent expect no change and only 13 per cent expect a decrease.

With inflation easing to target – the data also reveals that fewer firms (39 per cent compared to 46 per cent in Q1) expect to hike their own prices in the coming months.

The survey, which was conducted between 13th May and 10th June, of nearly 5,000 firms across the UK (91 per cent of whom are SMEs with fewer than 250 employees) – also reveals that despite improved trading conditions most firms are still not increasing investment.

Improvement in overall business conditions

The percentage of respondents reporting increased domestic sales rose to 38 per cent, compared with 36 per cent in Q1 and 43 per cent of firms said sales had remained constant and 20 per cent reported a decrease. There were some sectoral differences – 37 per cent of manufacturers and 40 per cent of business-to-business service companies (such as legal and finance) reporting a boost in sales. By contrast, only 33 per cent business to consumer firms (such as hospitality and retail) saw an increase.

Labour costs continue to be cited as the main cost pressure across all businesses with 67 per cent saying they are under pressure to raise prices because of this (68 per cent in Q1). Some sectors are feeling this pressure more than others, with 77 per cent of hospitality firms and 76 per cent of construction or engineering firms citing it as a key driver.

Most firms still not increasing investment

Despite the boost in business confidence and conditions, investment levels continue to struggle. Most firms say they haven’t increased the amount of new plant, machinery and equipment they’ve bought or rented. Only 25 per cent reported an increase in investment, compared with 24 per cent in Q1 and 61 per cent said levels had remained the same and 14 per cent reported a decrease.

There are large sectoral disparities in investment levels: 42 per cent of transport and logistics firms say they have increased investment levels, while the figure for retail companies was just 19 per cent.

David Bharier, Head of Research at the British Chambers of Commerce said: “ More SMEs are regaining confidence and reporting increased sales and cash flow. The data also show that concern about inflation among businesses has dropped to levels last seen in 2021 as fewer firms expect to raise prices. A Bank rate cut later this year will help bring down borrowing costs.

There were some sectoral differences – 37 per cent of manufacturers and 40 per cent of businessto-business service companies (such as legal and finance) reporting a boost in sales. By contrast, only 33 per cent business to consumer firms (such as hospitality and retail) saw an increase.

Image by Danny Hawkwood from Pixabay

“However, investment levels remain a long-term concern and significant sectoral divergences remain, as sectors such as hospitality and retail continue to report far tougher trading conditions.

“The new Government should capitalise on the confidence momentum and focus on addressing skills shortages, trade barriers, and unlocking the potential of AI and green innovation.”

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Our message to the new Government is clear. We need a long-term economic plan that has the green transition at its heart, with a workforce fit for the future, living in thriving local places and powered by businesses that are globally facing and digitally enabled.

“Business stands ready to work in partnership with Government to capitalise on the positive signs our data is showing.”

For more detail, visit www.britishchambers.org.uk

“Our message to the new Government is clear. We need a long-term economic plan that has the green transition at its heart, with a workforce fit for the future, living in thriving local places and powered by businesses that are globally facing and digitally enabled."

We’re ready to work in partnership with Labour Government - BCC

The British Chambers of Commerce have congratulated Labour on its “decisive general election victory” and pledged to work in partnership with the new Government to boost the economy.

Director General of the BCC, Shevaun Haviland said: “Congratulations to the Labour Party on their victory after a long and hardfought campaign.

“The public have delivered them a clear and decisive parliamentary majority – hopefully they will use this mandate to provide the stability and certainty businesses crave.

“How we revitalise our economy has been hotly debated, and it is encouraging to see they have many policies which clearly align with our recommendations.

“But after a gruelling election the really hard

work starts now. We need to see action from day one on pulling together a coherent industrial strategy for the long-term, which places a strong emphasis on harnessing green innovation.

“Closing the skills gap, growing exports, boosting productivity and harnessing the power of AI won’t happen overnight.

“And businesses will also want to see early movement on pledges around business rates reform and improving our trade relationship with the EU.

“None of this will be easy, and our new Government should not be expected to do it alone. But our entire Chamber Network and the 51,000 businesses it represents will be ready to put their shoulders to the wheel and help.

“If our firms succeed, then our communities prosper, the economy grows, and the wealth needed to support our public services is created.”

David Bharier

Shevaun Haviland

The Prime Minister - Sir Kier Starmer

by Simon Dawson

Safeguarding staff in heat and sun, as temperatures set to soar through to late September!

However, with temperatures expected to reach an average of 22C during August and continue to be as high as 19C in September in the UK – and possibly much hotter in the South - it’s important to consider how you can support employees to remain well during the Great British summertime.

Ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of employees is, quite rightly a legal obligation (check the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974). But apart from that, it is also a fundamental aspect of fostering a productive and positive work environment that avoids sickness and promotes positive wellbeing. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 imposes an obligation on employers to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to identify potential hazards related to heat exposure and take appropriate steps to address these risks.

Employers must consider factors such as the nature of the work, the environment, and individual employee needs, when planning their summer safety strategies.

Provision of Suitable Clothing

One of the most effective ways to protect employees from the summer heat is to

provide appropriate clothing and uniform. Breathable, light-coloured, and loose-fitting clothing will help keep workers cool. For outdoor workers, hats and long-sleeved shirts are essential to shield the skin from harmful UV rays. Companies like Network Rail and Thames Water have set commendable examples, by ensuring their outdoor workers are equipped with sun cream, hats, and lightweight, protective clothing. Providing clothing such as this is a tax-deductible expense and can also be a good way of promoting your brand, for example, by having caps that include your company logo.

Hydration and Rest Breaks

Adequate hydration is crucial for preventing heat-related illness. Employers must ensure that employees have access to sufficient drinking water, especially those working outdoors or in hot environments. Providing water bottles and hydration stations is a practical approach that companies like Kier Group and National Trust have successfully implemented. In addition, scheduling regular rest breaks in cool, shaded areas allows employees to recover from the heat and maintain their productivity throughout the day.

Sun Protection Measures

Employers should supply sun protection measures such as sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for employees working outdoors. Educating staff on the importance of applying sun cream and wearing protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. Thames Water and Network Rail, for instance, emphasise the importance of sun protection by providing these essentials to their field workers.

Monitoring and Education

Employers must also monitor weather conditions and adjust work schedules if necessary to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Flexibility in work hours can help reduce heat exposure and enhance employee comfort and safety. Regular training sessions and informational materials can empower employees to take proactive measures to protect themselves.

More information

By following the examples set by companies like Network Rail, Thames Water, and Kier Group, employers can ensure that their staff remain safe, healthy, and motivated throughout the summer months.

image by 123rf

Flexible venue hire in the heart of Kingston’s town centre

Looking for a venue in Kingston?

Do you want to host training sessions, business meetings, workshops, exercise classes, art classes, choirs, orchestras, conferences, lectures or even concerts?

• Convenient Town centre location

• Eden Walk multi-storey car park right next door

• Excellent public transport links by bus and rail

• Competitive hire rates (Charities - please contact us for discounts)

• Open Mondays to Saturdays, 9am – 5pm

• Outside catering on bookings welcome

• Evening bookings available

(Evening bookings will only be accepted if they meet at least one of the criteria detailed in our Lettings Policy and at the discretion of the Centre Manager

RICHARD MAYO

CENTRE

Here to Help!

Do you need help with your office admin, need someone to offload the tasks you don’t have time for or simply don’t like doing? I can help, whether it’s ongoing support or just a one-off assignment, no job is too small.

The services I offer include diary and email management, copy typing, everyday translations from English to Dutch/Flemish and vice versa, research tasks, invoice chasing and general office admin.

I also offer freelance office support/short-term temping for

local business. This means that I can work from your office to assist with whatever tasks need doing, whether it’s just a couple of hours covering the phone or do your filing.

The only requirement is that you hire me for minimum 1 hour.

What are the benefits for you as a business owner?

• You just pay my hourly fee, no additional costs like NI, sick pay, pension contributions, holiday pay

• In the case of freelance office support, you avoid high fees for recruiting temporary staff and again, just pay an hourly rate

For further information, check out my website http://www.mfinnvirtualadmin.com or get in touch via email martine@mfinnvirtualadmin.com to book a free discovery call.

Joiner Party Nights

Available throughout December with DJ entertainment

Sopwith - £55 Includes arrival drink, half a bottle of wine and 3-course dinner

Hawkers - £45 Includes arrival drink and 2-course dinner

Private party also welcome!

Speak to the team for availability and cost.

Office Christmas Lunches

Available throughout December

£21.95 Includes 2-course lunch

Santa Sunday Lunch

Available throughout December

Adult - £24.95

Includes 2-course carvery

Children (4-12yrs) - £15.95

Under 4 - Free

Christmas Day

Adult - £89.95

Includes a glass of bubbly & canapes on arrival and 3-course carvery

Children (4-12yrs) - £49.95

Under 4 - Free

Boxing Day

Adult - £30

Includes 2-course buffet brunch

Children (4-12yrs) - £15

Under 4 - Free

New Years Eve Celebration

£69 Includes a glass of bubbly & canapes on arrival, 4-course dinner with DJ entertainment

January Party Nights

Available throughout January 2025

£40 per person includes arrival drink, 2-course dinner with DJ entertainment

M Finn ad.indd 1

What is cognitive dissonance

We all like to think that we base our beliefs on actual evidence. After all, isn’t that the hallmark of being rational? But when new information comes along which tells us we should change our minds, what do we do? This article takes a brief look at the behaviour called cognitive dissonance and the consequences it has on our business decision making.

What is cognitive dissonance?

Cognitive dissonance is the discomfort we feel when we hold conflicting beliefs at the same time, or when our actions don’t match our values.

We have just finished an electoral period (and entering a new US kind) that was full of cognitive dissonance. We protect ourselves and our belief systems by entrusting “facts” that support our way of thinking, so we feel aligned with a universe in which we are in the middle.

In Matthew Syed’s excellent book Black Box Thinking, he explains that ‘we have an allergic attitude to failure. We try to avoid it, cover it up and airbrush it out of our lives.’ The role of cognitive dissonance in our ability to deal with failure, big or small, work or at home, is very subtle and often we are not even aware of it.

The clever tricks

Let’s say you exercise regularly and eat balanced meals in appropriate portions. But instead of eating on something nutritious as normal, you indulge in a bag of choc cookies, only to regret your indulgence later. Those feelings of guilt and shame? That’s cognitive dissonance at play.

As we’re bad at dealing with these inconsistencies, our instinct is to resolve them. We can minimise this conflict by justifying or down playing the behaviour.

“I’ll just call it a cheat day,” or point to the evidence that chocolate is good for your health!

But cognitive dissonance doesn’t just apply to minor choices. Enter the buzz phrase for the past year, fake news.

By proclaiming stories as being fake news, this shows a tendency to only accept information that conforms with our preexisting attitudes. This is tied to searching for information that is consistent with our beliefs and following like-minded news.

The consequences of these fake news stories is leading to increased and aggressive claims from all sides as they declare that their truth IS the correct truth, with the rest lying.

Closed

loops

A significant trait in cognitive dissonance is the term closed loop.

Closed loops are often used by people covering their mistakes, or kept in place when people spin their mistakes. They basically keep re-framing an argument to ensure their original decisions were correct. An open loop allows for more debate, more data to be explored and for other answers to be found. At the highest level in business, there are many examples of closed loop behaviour. The more senior you are, the more you have had your opinions heard and listened to, the more likely you are to cling to “what you believe,” even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

An old example of closed loop thinking relates to the practice of blood-letting. When a patient recovered, the doctor would say ‘Blood-letting cured him!’. If the patient died, the doctor would say that the patient was too ill even to survive the wonder cure of bloodletting. From 2AD until the 19th century, blood-letting was a dangerous example of a closed loop rationale.

After the event

We all have a tendency to underestimate the complexity of issues around us. However, this can lead to what is called the narrative fallacy, and it relates to our knack of creating stories about what we see, after the event.

A sporting example of this came in 2007, when the Italian, Fabio Capello, became England manager. He introduced a far more disciplined approach. Results improved and writers eulogised that, at long last, results were down to a tough manager. In the World Cup finals though, the team were awful and failed to perform. Almost overnight, the press flipped their narrative and it was the fault that Capello as he was too tough! All the traits that were strong, were now re-framed and blamed for the failures.

It isn’t easy to combat these traits but we can when we are more alert to them. The hallmark of pioneering institutions is that they deal with these behaviours, not by re-framing inconvenient evidence, but by creating systems from which they can learn and progress.

James Coetzer Starting Up

Centre Manager

SIGNS EXPRESS Twickenham

Q In a few words tell us a bit about your business?

At Signs Express Twickenham, we provide an extensive range of signage and graphics solutions for businesses of all sizes and sectors. Our most popular solutions including interior signage, wall graphics, car graphics, exterior signage, illuminated signs, directional and wayfinding signs, health & safety signage, window graphics, digital signs and much more.

Q What gives your business ‘the X-Factor’?

We provide friendly, accommodating, and efficient service – from consultation and design, to manufacture and installation. Every one of our solutions is bespoke; tailor-made to our customers’ needs and specifications. We are also experienced at fulfilling multi-site solutions.

Q What motivated you to set up in business?

What motivated us to set up in business was a passion for providing high quality signage solutions to the Twickenham community. Our goal has always been to support local businesses and organisations with top notch signage that helps them stand out and succeed.

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

Working in a startup environment is dynamic and offers a unique set of rewarding experiences.

Q What has been your greatest business success to date?

Collaborating with big brands early in our journey has been a remarkable milestone for our startup. This experience not only validates our commitment to delivering exceptional value but also significantly bolsters our credibility in the industry.

Q What has been your lowest moment?

In the early days, securing the right office space and making our name known were particularly formidable challenges. These moments truly tested our resolve, pushing us to critically evaluate our strategies and ambitions.

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

Become the go-to provider for signage and visual communications in Twickenham and expand our influence to neighbouring districts. Diversify service offerings to include the latest trends and technologies in signage, such as digital displays, eco-friendly materials, and interactive signage solutions.

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

My advice to anyone embarking on the journey of starting their own business would be to invest significant effort into conducting thorough market research to deeply understand the landscape of your sector. Additionally, setting realistic and concrete targets is crucial. This approach ensures that you have a solid foundation of knowledge about your industry and a clear direction for your business’s growth.

Collaborating with big brands early in our journey has been a remarkable milestone for our startup. This experience not only validates our commitment to delivering exceptional value but also significantly bolsters our credibility in the industry.

James with the Twickenham team

AI in Action Real-world applications and impacts

3 October 2024

New!

Kingston Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Barwell Business Park, and in partnership with BIG South London and London Innovation Centre, invite you to attend the AI in Action: Real-world applications and impact on 3rd October 2024.

The event will begin with a networking breakfast of pastries and refreshments. This will be followed by a programme designed to share practical advice to business leaders and decision-makers, and to understand the impact and innovations of AI in our real business world.

For micro and small businesses, AI can be a powerful tool that can drive growth, improve efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction.

As technology continues to advance, the role of AI will only become more critical, making its adoption a strategic imperative for companies of all sizes, to stay ahead in a competitive market.

Free to attend, register today to join this important, relevant and practical AI event.