We're changing our provider of footfall data to provide you with better value insights on consumer profiles and their behaviours. This will help you understand where visitors are coming from and how long and how often they are visiting the town We know that our footfall data provision is valuable... read more →
Nov
23
Nov
23
Last week, the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, delivered the Autumn Statement. His priorities focused on Stability, Growth and Public Services. We have summarised key highlights for businesses and organisations below. Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive of Kingston First said: “While the extension of the Business Rates relief scheme is welcomed, we still... read more →
Oct
27
The festive season is a significant and busy time of year for all of our businesses and the town. Each year, Kingston First organises a programme of Christmas activities and installations to drive footfall and create a festive town centre experience for the local community and visitors. We have a... read more →
Oct
26
You may recall that following feedback from businesses, residents and visitors for more greening, seating and biodiversity in the town centre we introduced a temporary scheme, known as Social Spaces, which introduced planters and seating on Lower Fife Road and the station and a part pedestrianising of Thames St. The... read more →
Oct
21
Leafy Kingston Upon Thames on the banks of the River Thames, is one of the UK’s leading retail centres and arguably one of the strongest High Street shopping destinations within the M25 outside of Central London. One of only 6 Royal boroughs in England and Wales, and boasting culture and... read more →
Oct
11
For the latest in our Member Spotlight series, we catch up with coffee aficionados and cake wizards Local Hero. We hear all about their Kingston roots, their family ethos and the gorgeous coffee, cakes and sandwiches that they have been serving up in Kingston since 2007. Local Hero is a... read more →
Oct
11
Our recent research with Kingston First members highlighted that 9 out of 10 respondents agreed that a vision for Kingston town centre is important. We’ve started working with Kingston Council to develop one and would like you to be involved in this opportunity from the start. High streets and town... read more →
Sep
26
On 23rd September the Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng announced a range of measures to boost economic growth and support businesses. Key highlights for businesses to know are: National insurance Businesses will no longer have to pay a higher level of employer national insurance. The 1.25 percentage point rise in national insurance... read more →
Sep
15
Kingston Council and Kingston First are working together to create a new vision for the town centre and surrounding area which helps unlock opportunities for investment and development and creates a place where people want to live, work, study and visit. We want to create a town centre where we... read more →
Sep
14
This week we are catching up with long-term Kingstonian Paul Bhalla, who on top of his busy role as Director of Specsavers Kingston is also on the Kingston First board, helping provide strategic direction for the work that we do. We caught up with him to discover how he got... read more →