For this month's Member Spotlight, we hear from Julian Agostini, MD of Mash Media, who saw their events industry business change overnight as the pandemic took hold last year. "There is something thrilling and appealing, to humanity, about the idea of survival, especially against the odds. Think about how many TV... read more →
Aug
13
Aug
05
For this month's Member Spotlight, we hear from Lewis Farrell, owner of Bacchus Late Bar on Union Street, who, despite a hugely challenging year were able to hit the ground running as soon as restrictions lifted. "To say the last year has been a challenge would really be an understatement... read more →
Jul
22
For this month's Member Spotlight, we hear from the recently relocated Post Office, who have been under the leadership of the Post Master Siva for almost twenty years! "The Post Master of the Kingston Upon Thames Branch Office Mr A.Sivabalan (Siva) has accrued nearly two decades experience in running the combined Post Office and... read more →
Jul
13
On 12th April 2021 (week 15), the government's roadmap out of lockdown kicked off, with the reopening of outdoor hospitality and much positivity from everyone, including the team here at Kingston First! Three months on and we are reflecting on how it has gone. Our reopening campaign was a success,... read more →
Jun
29
Seven contemporary sculptures have been selected to be installed in Kingston town centre as part of a new sculpture trail arriving this summer. An open call saw nearly forty submissions from artists from Kingston and beyond to be considered by the sculpture trail selection panel, which included two local students... read more →
Jun
17
For our latest member spotlight we caught up with Claire Selby, Commercial Projects Manager at Kingston University, and Grace Richards, Business Development Manager at the university's Union of Students, who recently opened creative meanwhile space Not My Beautiful House on Fife Road. "It’s been a whirlwind year already for Grace and I -... read more →
Jun
17
Did you know? Vacant shops cost London’s economy an estimated £350 million (through loss of business rates, loss of earnings and the subsequent cost of unemployment and job seekers allowance), according to the Greater London Authority. They can also discourage new investment and create a feeling of neglect putting off consumers from visiting.... read more →
Jun
14
Restart Grants have been key to a lot of businesses in helping them get on their feet. However, it has been announced that applications for this scheme will cease on 30th June. So if you haven't got your application in yet, we highly recommend you do soon. For more... read more →
Jun
14
The government have announced the fifth iteration of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme for those who are self-employed or a member of a partnership. These will cover the period of May 2021 - September 2021, and will be open to claims from late July, and official guidance on applying... read more →
May
24
Our latest round of research with members took place in February and March this year, and was carried out by the research agency Research by Design, by online survey. All members were invited via email, and 12% responded, from a range of sectors, business size and type. Thank you very... read more →