Borough Business October 2020

BOROUGH

BUSINESS The voice of Kingston’s business community

Issue 18: Autumn 2020

Kingston is open and ready for business! p17

Inside • Welcome to New Members p4 • Patron News p8 • Skills p12 • • The future of flexible working? p14 • The Big Interview with Jane Knight, Coombe Hill Manor p24 • Top Tips p29 •

Professional training and development programmes to meet your business needs.

At Kingston College we are committed to working in partnership to support your organisation’s skills, employment, Apprenticeship and training strategies.

For a FREE skills assessment or for more information please contact: 020 8546 2151. kingston-college.ac.uk

contents Welcome to New Members 4 Economy 7 Patron News 8-10 Skills 12 Flexible Working 14-15 Cover Feature - Kingston Open for Business 17-19 Chamber Events 22-23 The Big Interview 24-25 Health and Wellbeing 27 Top Tips 29 Ask the Expert 31 Membership 33 Starting up 34 Editorial and General Enquiries Guildhall, High Street Kingston upon Thames. KT1 1EU. 020 8541 4441 Email: office@kingstonchamber.co.uk Web: www.kingstonchamber.co.uk Chief Executive: Forbes Low Publisher: Ian Fletcher Benham Publishing Limited Aintree Building, Aintree Way, Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ Tel: 0151 236 4141 Fax: 0151 236 0440 Email: admin@benhampublishing.com Web: www.benhampublishing.com Published Autumn 2020 © Benham Publishing and Kingston Chamber of Commerce Advertising and Features Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: karen@benhampublishing.com Production Manager Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 Email: peter@benhampublishing.com Media No. 1763 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 expressed in Borough Business are not necessarily those of Kingston Chamber of Commerce. Reprinting in whole or part is forbidden except by permission. © 2020. 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.

Patron Members

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME TO

BOROUGH BUSINESS The Kingston Chamber of Commerce magazine for all Businesses in Kingston At the time of writing this foreword, there is a sense of a collective holding of breath. September has loomed large as a critical month in so many different ways.

The education sector has worked hard to ensure that the opening of schools, universities and colleges can be safe and ready to provide vital education again. After long months of juggling home education, cajoling and allowing all screen time rules to be broken, households have been hoping this period will signal the biggest step forward back to normality. With the recent restrictions tightening again, keeping the education doors open is so important to students and many employees.

September also signals the winding down of the furlough scheme which will finish in October. Everyone is aware that this scheme has supported all kinds of businesses and employees so it is inevitable that there are concerns as to what will happen next. Although the new Job Support Scheme will open on 1 November 2020, and run for 6 months, this is unlikely to have the same financial impact as the furlough scheme. Regrettably, job losses have happened and will continue to do so but to what extent is hard to predict at this point but providing new skills, training and hope is essential.

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The new Kickstart campaign has been announced and the Chamber is putting ourselves forward to be a representative.

There are still a number of areas that we need clarifying but please get in contact with us as we want to provide support here. For more information, please read the article on p7.

The Chamber provided it’s first, exciting online Kingston Business Expo in July. It was a mixture of roundtables, webinars, exhibitors, an economic specialist from HSBC and speed networking. The day was a technical challenge but I think a great success. There were lessons learnt so we are delighted to look forward to the Chessington Business Expo on October 23rd. I encourage you all to sign up and be involved in the day.

On October 1st/2nd, the Chamber hosted a Digital Unlocked programme. Many businesses have needed to adjust quickly to online demands so the programme provided bite sized workshops and discussion groups to offer practical advice from websites, SEO, online strategies to social media and content creation. Our thanks go to IQinIT who sponsored this event.

The Chamber has continued to provide engaging bi-weekly online networking sessions, online social events such as

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wine and gin tasting and our unique and amusing quiz nights. Thank you to all our members for making these events vibrant, encouraging and enjoyable. I have tremendous respect for so many Kingston businesses. They have shown grit and determination in what is proving to be a long marathon. We need to keep strengthening our sense of connection with each other, to keep that sense of collective spirit and not become isolated.

There have been hardships, not just in the workplace, but at home. The loss of a parent or friend, or not being able to see a parent in a care home, can be a judder at any point; at the moment, this grief feels greater. I know many of you have been coping with these painful days so our thoughts are with you.

We will continue to support you the best that we can and act as your business advocates. Take care and please look after each other.

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

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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join us

Welcome

The Royal Borough of

to our new members

Chamber of Commerce

AdJuice SEO Services Ltd

Orr Litchfield Solicitors Limited

Boxed Local

Parita Shah Consulting

Kingston Peter was thrilled he could get his business noticed online through the Chamber networks

Ewan Kennedy www.adjuice.co.uk/seo-surrey Richard Hards www.boxedlocal.co

Citizen Zoo

Lucas Ruzo www.citizenzoo.org

Donna Winning Events

Patrick Orr www.orrlitchfield.com

Parita Shah www.paritashahconsulting.co.uk

Resonate Interiors Ltd

Donna Winning www.donnawinningevents.com

Pernille Stafford www.resonateinteriors.com

Guy Spence Consulting Ltd

Silly Billie Creative

Guy Spence

Nyki Clark Coaching

Olivia Kursar www.sillybilliecreative.com

Nyki Clark

The PiPP Oakhouse Software Ltd Consultancy Lawrence Liao www.oakhousesoftware.com

Pippa Dunford www.thepippconsultancy.uk

Reasons to join... “ As a small business owner, networking with others through the Chamber is a key way for me to build business relationships and get mutual support.

In these turbulent times it’s even more critical to interact with others who are experiencing similar issues.”

Amanda Cullen

Business Made Simpler Coaching and Workshops for Small Business Owners For more information or to discuss how we can help you, please contact us at:

Kingston Chamber of Commerce T: 020 8541 4441 E: info@kingstonchamber.co.uk W: www.kingstonchamber.co.uk Connect with us on

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@KingstonCOC

Kingston CoC

Membership of Kingston Chamber of Commerce brings a wealth of immediate benefits to your business.

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Welcoming, professional and supportive environment Two successful business Expos; Kingston and Chessington Regular online networking events and business webinars Local supply chain opportunities and excellent links to the wider local community Advocacy for businesses to Kingston Council, strategic partners and MPs in the borough Learning opportunities and affordable training on all business-related matters Creative online social events and meet ups

Find out how to join and learn how others are benefiting from their membership. www.kingstonchamber.co.uk

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

hr dept

My First message as Chamber President.

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

‘Can you help me dismiss my Mum?’ When SME owners start a business we often need to access all of the resources available to us to get the business off the ground. We seek support from those around us that we trust, have the skills we need and are keen to see the business succeed. Often this can involve family members or personal friends. But how do you run a business and maintain healthy relationships?

Business is business, right? But it’s not as easy as that. It can be a minefield where you have personal relationships that extend between the business owner to different team members across the business. We have a Client who has his Mum, Wife, Step Dad, Brother, Cousin, Aunt and Uncle all as members of the team! It’s more like a family tree than organisation chart. They manage the family dynamic really well but there are definitely things to be aware of to prevent there being issues. Over time it is challenging to be able to address any issues of underperformance or misconduct between family members. So what can you do to navigate the minefield?:

At the time of writing, the UK is starting to emerge from national lockdown. I was elected Chamber President at the AGM in July, which due to lockdown took place online for the first time in the Chamber’s 115-year history! I am incredibly proud to be the first virtually elected President and grateful for the technology that made it possible in lockdown. I would like to thank Dr. Martha Mador, outgoing President, for her passion and support for the Chamber, its Members, Patrons, Partners, Directors, and staff team in the most unprecedented of times. now have an opportunity to work better locally, supporting our local businesses and community whilst improving our carbon footprint at the same time.

• Be clear with all family members the reasons why being consistent about expectations across the whole team is important.

I have been really encouraged by the early signs of recovery in the business sector. There is no doubt there are tough times ahead, but there is much to look forward to and be optimistic about.

• Create job descriptions to give clarity on every role in the business to help manage performance.

• Be wary of discussing family issues when at work. Create separation by agreeing to keep all family conversations outside of the workplace to prevent anyone from feeling alienated.

• Be transparent with other team members that it may feel unusual but they have your permission to raise any issues and disregard any relationships, where appropriate.

• Use an impartial third party / outsourced HR service to investigate or take corrective actions where required.

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 managing relationships in the workplace and anything else people related 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.

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

I wanted to become President to help the Chamber which works tirelessly for the local business community I am proud to be a part of. I never imagined I would be President in the middle of a global pandemic when businesses are facing such big challenges and economic uncertainty. The work that the Chamber does to represent and campaign for local businesses has never been more vital.

As Chamber President, I am asked to choose a local charitable or community organisation to support for my presidential year. I am thrilled to confirm we will be supporting Citizen Zoo, a local social enterprise dedicated to rewilding nature and local conservation projects. Wildlife and nature are very close to my heart and I hope you will join me in supporting them in some way. You can read more about them on page 6.

The COVID19 health pandemic has brought massive challenges and changes in our work and personal lives. As we wait and watch for restrictions to be lifted, we have an opportunity to innovate and improve the way we do business. We have already seen a massive change in attitude to flexible working which was long overdue. We

Like other organisations, the Chamber has had to find new ways of doing business. While we all await further guidance on face to face events, networking will be online for now, but there are lots of opportunities to choose from, so join in and engage. Your local businesses need you.

Katerina Damcova

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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news President chooses to support Citizen Zoo in 2020/21

The president of Kingston Chamber of Commerce has pledged her support for a wildlife and conservation social enterprise.

Katerina Damcova has nominated Citizen Zoo as her chosen organisation for 2020/2021. The organisation is a community interest company (CIC) committed to rewilding and conservation, and works on several projects that encourage people to explore the great outdoors.

Each year, the Chamber’s president choses to support a local organisation by providing opportunities to network with its members and raising awareness of the sterling work it does within the local community.

Katerina said: “I am delighted to support Citizen Zoo. Here at the Chamber we’re well placed to help them connect with the local business community and promote their projects, which do so much to rebuild habitats and reinvigorate the natural landscape.

Lucas Ruzo at Citizen Zoo added: “We are thrilled that Kat has decided to offer her support. It will help us to raise our profile and build our network of contacts at a time when we are working on some exciting projects.

“We’ve just launched a major fundraising campaign to raise money for our community-led water vole reintroduction project. We’re aiming to raise £12,000 over a six-week period in partnership with the Aviva Foundation and it will be fantastic to get this message out to the Chamber’s growing membership base. We’re even looking for any partners or potential sponsors who may want to align with our mission and this project.”

For more information visit https://www.citizenzoo.org/

“We also identify fundraising opportunities through a variety of events, even though many of these are still conducted online due to the COVID-19. Hopefully, next year we’ll be able to host some events along with our president’s evening, and we’ll look to support Citizen Zoo’s fundraising campaigns by promoting them to our membership.”

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

Economy

Kickstart scheme

GOES LIVE If you are hiring or considering hiring extra staff Kingston Chamber of Commerce can help you make the most of government funding to ease your wage bill.

In September ministers announced the £2 billion Kickstart scheme, an incentive for businesses to help at-risk young people get back into work. The scheme will begin in November and run initially until the end of next year.

Kickstart is an attempt to create hundreds of thousands of high-quality, six-month work placements for young people aged between 16 and 24.

Under the scheme, the government will fund some of the wage costs of 16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming universal credit and at risk of longterm unemployment who are hired by employers. It will cover 100% of the minimum wage, national insurance and pension contributions for a maximum of 25 hours a week — with firms able to top up wages.

The job placements should support the participants to develop the skills and experience they need to find work after completing the scheme.

As an incentive, the government is offering businesses up to £1,500 towards set-up support, training and the cost of uniforms. Any business, regardless of size, can apply for funding. The job placements created with Kickstart funding must be new jobs. They must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees or contractors to lose or reduce their employment. The roles must be made available for a minimum of 25 hours per week for six months, paid at least the national minimum wage for their age group, and should not require people to undertake extensive training before they begin the job placement.

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

will be working to bring companies and young people together to create new jobs.”

If your organisation is creating fewer than 30 job placements, we can help

you do this, as you are not eligible to to apply directly. We are bringing together businesses who want to create fewer than 30 placements in order to make a collective application to the scheme on their behalf.

To register your interest, contact the Chamber and we will get back to you with further information.

If your organisation is creating more than 30 job placements as part of the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit your application directly at https:// www.gov.uk/guidance/applyfor-a-grant-through-thekickstart-scheme.

Each application should include how you will help the participants to develop their skills and experience, including: • Support to look for long-term work, including career advice and setting goals • Support with CV and interview preparations • Supporting the participant with basic skills, such as attendance, timekeeping and teamwork Once a job placement is created, it can be taken up by a second person once the first successful applicant has completed their six-month term.

Businesses looking to offer fewer than 30 Kickstart roles have to apply through a representative organisation, such as a local Chamber of Commerce. Funding is available following a successful application process. Simply contact the Chamber to apply.

Jane Gratton, head of people policy at British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), says: “At a time when cashflow is tight, this fully funded scheme will help employers bring young people into the workplace and develop new talent for the future.

“To be successful, Kickstart needs to create long-term, quality employment opportunities and ensure that businesses and employees are fully supported throughout the placement.”

“Rooted in local business communities, Chambers of Commerce understand employers’ growth aspirations, and

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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patron news

It’s been an incredibly challenging summer, both personally and professionally, for everyone in Kingston (and the rest of the World!).

Thankfully, with considerable hard work, the last few months have seen a gradual resumption to an environment that is resembling some degree of normality.

We always strive to make the visitor experience to Riverside Walk as welcoming, safe and entertaining as possible. We are very pleased to announce the next stage of improvements planned for our site, one of the highlights is the recently

purchased wide beam narrowboat which will be used as a flexible space for the Kingston community. Creatively, this can provide an eclectic range of events from the roof, such as hosting live music, drama, comedy and spoken word. We are considering a range of uses for the inside of the boat, from a pop-up coffee shop, to ice cream bar or a Yoga/Pilates studio for example.

The intention is to fit out the boat over the winter months so it will be ready for use next summer. As with any new boat launch, we will be running a competition for the chance to come up with a name for the boat, (am afraid the wonderful entry for

David Attenboroughs boat naming competition, Boaty McBoatface, will not be accepted this time either) so keep an eye out on our social media pages for updates and start getting your creative spirit inspired.

Our aim is to continually invest in Kingston and to constantly improve the experiences on offer. With that ambition, we hope to announce shortly an onsite, public realm art installation from a world renowned contemporary artist.

This period has made us realise even more how much we desperately miss our friends at the Rose, Banquet

Records and IYAF among others. We hope the Creative Arts in Kingston can get back to what they do best soon.

Finally, we would like to say a big thank you to all residents and businesses who have helped support us through the lockdown. We are really looking forward to delivering these exciting new projects and to help reinforce what a great town we live in.

Instagram: Riverside_walk Facebook: Riverside Walk Website: https://www. riversidewalkkingston.co.uk/

May you live in interesting times The old Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times” seems very apt for the strange world in which we now live. With rules and restrictions constantly changing, it’s hard to find firm ground on which to plan.

for others and we are seeing clients looking to auctions and elsewhere for investment prospects.

As these situations crop up, seek advice at an early stage to avoid problems becoming more complex later. Partners David Hards and Donald Morrison are able to assist across a wide range of issues.

Pearson Hards has not been immune to the trials and tribulations. We went through a period where most of the staff were on furlough or working from home but we are back operating on full speed, albeit with fewer visitors to the office, so social distancing can be observed.

Being prepared for the future The loss of a loved one is distressing and challenging at the best of times and we have seen an increase in the number of probate cases. We have an experienced and sympathetic team able to guide and advise people through this difficult period. Please contact partner Ian Lipscombe if you would like to discuss any issues that you may have.

So what then does the legal world look like at the moment?

Making technology work for you Lawyers are not best known for being at the fore front of technological advance. Much Court work is now being dealt with digitally and hearings are taking place by telephone or video call. Some cases do need a physical hearing to be deal with sensitive matters and these are still possible.

Family law partner, Emma Rothstein and colleague Claudene Howell, and our civil litigation partner, Claire Darby are all able to meet with clients either face to face or digitally, so please get in touch if you need advice or assistance.

There has been a slowdown in civil litigation during lockdown but this may well change. The courts imposed a moratorium on all residential landlord

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and tenant matters to reduce the workload in courts and also to protect tenants from possible eviction when the opportunities for rehousing were limited.

A hold was also placed on commercial forfeiture and rent recovery actions. The moratorium has just been extended to 20 September. This area of law is technically complex so please contact Partner Claire Darby to help you navigate through any residential and commercial issues.

Housing and commercial sector update Surprisingly the local housing market is very buoyant. This is partly a catch up for the months in lockdown, but also a lot of new activity. The concessions on Stamp Duty Land Tax is an obvious factor. Until 31 March 2021, the threshold for SDLT is raised to £500,000, with tax being paid on the balance of price above that figure on a sliding scale.

Savings can be significant and so it is a good time to buy. Please contact conveyancing partners Hatice Mustafa and Jonathan Throp to discuss your plans.

The commercial property sector is also showing some signs of life. Some businesses are being forced to sell or move to smaller accommodation.

Difficulties for some do create opportunities

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

Sadly, a majority of adults in this country still do not have wills. There really is no excuse not to have a will when one considers the difficulties and unhappiness that can arise if someone dies without having made one. If you are considering making a will please contact Serena Welch who can meet with clients by video call, face to face at the office or at clients’ homes, for those who are less restricted.

For Pearson Hards, these interesting times continue to throw up new challenges but we are adopting new processes to be able to serve the people of New Malden going forward. Please call us if you need help or advice on any legal issue on 020 8949 9500 or visit our website at www.pearsonhards.co.uk.

patron news

Assistant Principal - Higher Education and Business Development appointed at South Thames Colleges Group South Thames Colleges Group are delighted to welcome Stella RaphaelReeves as Assistant Principal - HE and Business Development. Stella joins with a wealth of experience in the HE in FE sector working previously at Croydon College as Dean of HE and Creative Industries. She says: “I am very excited about starting a new job at a wonderful College group, where I can bring my skills to bear in these challenging times, by listening and supporting businesses and individuals so that we offer correct training for your specific requirements.

We work closely with SMEs, large employers, local authorities, and the public and charity sectors.

“As an experienced senior manager working in the Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) in the FE sector

IQ in IT introduces innovative phone APP for flexible communications for a blended work environment At the start of lockdown, we were focused on getting our clients’ businesses set up to work securely and seamlessly from home. As lockdown starts to ease, some companies are returning to offices, so the needs of our clients are changing quickly. Businesses are moving to a blended working environment; some employees in the office, some at home, or a combination of both.

Company phone systems now need to cope with all possible blended work set ups and be able to adapt to last-minute changes that might need to happen if an employee must quarantine, for example, or in the event of a further lockdown. Phone systems need to be robust enough to cope with different scenarios at the touch of a button to make sure businesses can stay in touch with their customers, partners and colleagues, wherever and however they are working.

We have been busy changing phone systems to allow unlimited extensions and provide APP support mobile phones as well as using headsets with computers. This helps our clients to save on hardware costs for each employee to have both desk and home-based phones.

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

I have finally found my niche and ideal role. A culmination of all my experiences and a perfect fit for my charismatic nature and passion for FE and Education.

These unprecedented times allow me to do what I feel I do best, to facilitate, motivate and drive cultural change, to engage with employers, to drive employability and to offer a portfolio of educational courses to reskill, upskill and support all to progress into new employment or Higher Education thus supporting to boost the economy.

“As with most FE managers, I am used to working under tight budgets and ever changing conditions of funding and guidance by awarding bodies and used to having to adapt in a fast and responsive manner, cascade information and new visions to my teams, motivate, enthuse and continue to push forward.”

IQ in IT Technical Director, Luke Whitlock says: “The new APP is a game changer for businesses operating in the new work environment. It is a flexible solution, that is both secure and affordable for our clients. Companies can use mobile, website, home and office lines all through the APP but are only charged for the one extension. It has click to call functionality, plus great features like calendar and availability synchronisation to help automate processes even when working remotely. Great technology doesn’t have to cost the earth.”

Patron member, Holland Hahn & Wills, are proud to celebrate their 30th anniversary this year, and are pleased that business continues to grow despite the current pandemic restrictions.

The work to refurbish No. 4 High St continues to make excellent progress, and HHW hope to be able to celebrate their 30th anniversary in the new office in due course, guidelines permitting. During lockdown, HHW held a couple of educational webinars on financial planning and investments, with more in the series planned for the autumn.

The financial planning firm has also recently published a whitepaper on the psychology of retirement and a guide to organising your financial affairs.

For more information on downloading these guides, plus details on future events, visit www.hhw-uk.com/contact.

HHW will also be taking part in the CISI’s financial planning week from 5-11th October, an annual event to promote financial awareness.

• If you’d like to find out how to integrate your work phone systems, please get in touch with our communication specialist Blake Edwards, blake. edwards@iqinit.uk Lockdown Exit IT and HR Package Launch IQ in IT have launched a new package for post lockdown continuity planning, aimed at companies wanting practical help with an effective and secure return to work. This new offering combines IT and HR to help get you out of lockdown and back in business.

The IT options offers everything from a review of work from home security and set up, communication tools for remote, office and blended working, phone systems and disaster recovery management. HR support can include risk assessments, social distancing measures, flexible working arrangements and contractual issues. There are different package options available depending on need and budget.

HR support is offered in partnership with Harley HR with the aim to make one affordable package at a discounted rate.

• To find out more about this please contact: katerina.damcova@iqinit.uk or visit: https://iqinit.uk/hr_it_exit_strategy/

Chris Hirsch, HH&W Managing Partner, inspects the progress of the refurbishment.

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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patron news

News from SUMMERS INMAN Procure Partnerships Framework Summers Inman are delighted to finally announce that as of September 2020, we have been appointed to form part of a major public-sector supplier agreement, known as the Procure Partnerships Framework. This means that our 7 offices across the UK will be able to provide Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Project Management and Principal Designer (Health & Safety) services to a growing number of businesses via this framework.

Summers Inman were assessed against several selection criteria. Social impact was a significant factor in the process, which we value greatly. “We are absolutely delighted at this result in what is a great step forward for the company. It is a fantastic result across all geographic regions for which we submitted our proposals, which illustrates the national capability and capacity of Summers-Inman in the construction and property consultancy sector.”

Kingston University Despite Covid-19 causing major disruption to the education sector, Summers Inman and Kingston University have continued to work together on a

number of projects, focusing on the improvement of the student’s experience whilst at university.

The latest project has involved the extension and refurbishment of the Faith and Spirituality space at the universities’ Kingston Hill campus.

We provided a team of Project Managers and Quantity surveyors to lead the refurbishment facility, which will contain spaces for prayer, worship, meditation, reflection, meetings and discussion, as well as religious washing rooms and office space.

Together for Short Lives charity We are proud to launch a fantastic new charity partnership with Together for Short Lives, which commenced earlier on in 2020. The charity offers hospice and community care to families who are facing the heartbreaking experience of caring for a seriously ill child.

Due to Covid-19, many fundraising events cancelled so when ‘Children’s Hospice Week’ came around, we wanted to do our bit to contribute. Director Alex Lodge and Business Development Coordinator Hannah Grue completed ‘socially distanced’ challenges. Alex cycled 100KM on his bike, while Hannah took 100K steps – both within a working week. Collectively, they raised just shy of £700.

We hope that soon we can return to safely run some of the events planned, and will be sure to advertise and invite the Borough to join in support!

Ian Griffiths, Director, said, “Summers-Inman are proud to be supporting Together for Short Lives in our Centenary year. We take our responsibility to help local and national causes very seriously and are excited to help support families and young people giving them precious quality time together.”

Kingston University experts play leading role in project to develop 5G drone system to establish vital communications in disaster zones Drones equipped with cutting-edge 5G technology could be used to provide emergency teams with reliable communications networks in disaster zones as part of a new system being co-developed by Kingston University experts.

areas. “We wanted to test whether we could harness 5G to create mobile networks that could be deployed in places like Malaysia after the tsunami,” he said.

“Wherever there is a disaster or contamination of an area that makes human access difficult, the system could potentially be deployed.”

The Distributed Autonomous and Resilient Emergency Management System (DARE) project involves researchers from Kingston working in collaboration with teams from the University of Surrey, the University of Glasgow and the University of Malaya.

The director of Kingston University’s Digital Information Research Centre, Professor Christos Politis, said the idea for the project came about when he was looking into whether an emergency system could use smart technology to establish reliable connectivity using 5G networks in affected

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

With the globe currently battling the outbreak of Covid-19, the potential for technologies such as these to make a difference during similar public health emergencies in the future could also be explored.

How are tenants responding to the lockdown and adjusting to the new normal?

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has cut deep for many businesses.

Although the lockdown has been gradually lifted and most businesses that had to close have now been allowed to re-open, many are still hurting. Ongoing travel restrictions limiting the flow of customers and having a serious dent on tourist numbers, and many workers still working from home are affecting sales. Sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality continue to face severe pressure.

Not surprisingly the result is that many tenants are finding it difficult to pay the rent. During the peak of the lockdown, tenants struggling with cashflow and unable to pay their March and June quarter rents were able to negotiate temporary deals with their landlords.

Rent suspensions, reductions and deferrals were common as many landlords made a pragmatic decision to help their tenants manage cashflow so they could keep trading.

These temporary concessions are increasingly rare, but as businesses continue to face cashflow pressure, what can tenants do to help themselves adjust to the “new norm”?

There is hope. We have seen a number of options taken by our tenant clients when they negotiate new leases (or vary existing leases) in the current climate.

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

Varying terms For some years there has been a growing trend to shorten the length of commercial leases. The lockdown is speeding up this process.

The age of the 15 to 20 year lease term with upwards only rent reviews every five years seems to be over these are increasingly rare.

Most tenants just won’t make such a long-term commitment. As a tenant you should be negotiating for shorter lease terms, more flexible and frequent tenant break options, monthly rather than quarterly payment dates and even upwards/downwards rent reviews. These are becoming the standard requirement for tenants when negotiating terms for a new lease.

Lockdown clauses It seemed extremely tough on many tenants that they had to shut down their businesses and cut off their income, but continue to pay the rent. An initial thought for many was whether there was anything in their leases providing for either a unilateral termination or a rent suspension in such extreme circumstances. This was a question we were asked by a number of clients, and the answer was always no.

As a tenant you generally have a very weak argument to claim that your lease has been frustrated as a result of the lockdown. Rent suspension clauses in virtually all leases apply only where there has been physical damage to the premises. Leases just had not been drafted to take into account the recent crisis. The result was tenants left liable to pay rents for commercial premises they could not use.

We’re increasingly seeing tenants inserting a lockdown rent suspension clause into their leases. This will provide that the rent will either be suspended (or at least reduced) in the event that Covid-19 prevents the tenant from trading at their premises. Some clauses go even further, and apply to any future pandemics; they do not just cover rent suspension, but also a relaxation of any covenants in the lease a tenant may not be able to comply with in such circumstance, such as complying with repairing obligations.

Landlords are understandably reluctant to agree to such clauses, especially where the rent suspension will not be covered by their insurance policy (which is rarely the case in the current insurance market). It is therefore a point for commercial negotiation between the parties whether these clauses can be agreed.

Turnover rents A more practical solution is the introduction of turnover rents. A turnover lease is a lease where the rent payable is calculated either wholly or partly on the actual turnover achieved by the tenant’s business operated at the premises.

Roger Ford real estate partner

These have been used for some time in the retail and leisure sectors so they are tried and tested.

The financial pressures tenants are facing have increasingly seen them look to move away from a fixed base rent. Instead, many are trying to negotiate a reduced base rent topped-up with a turnover rent (or in some situations, no base rent and the rent entirely dependent on turnover).

Turnover agreements are becoming more common in the current market to allow the rent due under a lease to reflect the success (or failure) of the tenant’s business.

The downsides for landlords are the uncertain rental income flow and the increased work in monitoring the tenant’s turnover and agreeing the calculations. Somewhat encouragingly, we see many landlords coming to terms with these requests and looking at ways to help tenants ride out this crisis, and keep properties tenanted and income producing.

So the future for commercial tenants may be still be very uncertain, but there are options available to help ease the pain.

For answers to health and safety queries about your employees’ return to work please contact the author Roger Ford

+44 (0)20 8541 2030 or email roger.ford@russell-cooke.co.uk 11

skills

FOUNDATION DEGREES the route to a degree and improved career prospects at any time in life

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

Is it too late? A question posed by many people as their career progresses who in earlier life did not either have, or take, the opportunity to study for higher qualifications after school or college. Sometimes this question is also asked by an employer who sees an employee with real potential, whose personal and professional development would benefit themselves and the organisation, and wonders how they can help the employee maximise that potential. Lockdown and the challenges of COVID-19 may also have raised this question in the minds of many as working patterns changed and industry sectors either thrived or declined.

Studying for a Foundation Degree at Kingston College, or one of our sister Colleges, could be the answer to the question. Launched as a new qualification in 2001 to give people the opportunity at different stages in life to gain higherlevel qualifications. Foundation Degrees recognise the value of vocationally relevant and driven work experience over traditional academic qualifications.

Foundation Degrees are something of the hidden gems in the higher education jewel box.

Foundation degrees can help improve skills and better career prospects. They have many benefits whether a person is already working or looking for a job. A Foundation Degree may be suitable if a person: • is working and wants to improve their skills and prospects in a current job, through part-time higher level study • has left school and wants a higher education qualification that’s relevant to their job aspirations • wants to reskill in a new occupation or profession, or wishes to return to work after a break • Foundation degrees are also taught in local colleges and can be studied full-time over two years or on a part-time basis, offering students with work or family commitments more flexibility. Studying closer to home or work also means reduced travel time and costs.

Locally many employers, support and fund their employees to study part-time for a Foundation Degree alongside work as part of their training and development. At Kingston College, the suite of Foundation Degrees in Early Years Education is a particular example of such a study opportunity pursued by many childcare and early education providers to support their staff to achieve the sector-endorsed, and required qualification, to provide career progression.

For many potential students pondering the question “is it too late to gain a degree?” they will tentatively consider their up-skilling journey. Knowing where to start is the first challenge – full-time or part-time study; sponsored or self-funded; navigating Student Finance; and then of course choosing the right course and the right place to study.

The Foundation Degree in Business, which is Kingston College’s longest delivered Foundation Degree, provides a cost effective opportunity to improve educational qualifications whilst still working full-time in a very wide range of business and employment settings. It is tough, of course to come into College after a long day at work but at Kingston and its sister Colleges, many more than a thousand students have shown that it is manageable, fulfilling and even enjoyable. Business students tell us that they feel inspired, unleashed, challenged and motivated. For our staff here at the College these courses are very rewarding to teach on because you see how life-changing this opportunity can be with growth in confidence, ability and career progression.

Some of the College’s own, and our partner Kingston University’s, non-teaching staff have also kick started their careers with the study of the Foundation Degree in Business, which many have later “topped up” to the BA (Hons) Business Management Practice with one further year of part-time study at the University.

Many students join Foundation Degrees because of a personal recommendation from friends, relatives and work colleagues. Over the past ten years the Foundation Degree in Business has seen sons, daughters, aunts and uncles join the course as they have realised the opportunity available to them.

Work colleagues who are line managers, mentors or friends and peers to those with aspirations have provided a pipeline of new and eager students.

Having joined, students often cannot believe that there is not more demand from people just like themselves searching for that later-in-life degree opportunity. With formal face-to-face teaching time

in the evening, and in some cases on Saturday (perhaps on average 5 hours per week), students need to work independently for about 15-20 hours per week. Some of this can be completed in their workplace by applying what they have learned in the classroom in a practical way. Students report that being able to join in conversations at work, and with their seniors, by using appropriate terminology opens many doors. So, it is never too late!

The Foundation Degree in Business, and the other Foundation Degrees in the table below, recognise past work experience (a minimum of 2 years is essential) as part of the entry qualification. Along with ongoing employment for the duration of the course (minimum 16 hours per week) they allow those with aspirations to take this potentially life changing journey to help them add the much needed qualification to their CV – and as importantly, give them the confidence to achieve.

Foundation Degree Subject Business College Kingston Subject Early Years Education College Kingston, Carshalton and South

Thames College Subject Leadership and Management in Early

Years (Sector Endorsed) College Kingston Subject Education and Learning College Carshalton Other Foundation Degrees taught full time at College and without a direct employer component Art and Design - Kingston Fashion and Textiles - Kingston

For more information and details of how to apply to the courses featured in this article and all of the other courses mentioned please see the links below; https://kingston-college.ac.uk/subject/business/foundation-degree-fda-in-business https://kingston-college.ac.uk/subject/care-childcare/foundation-degree-fda-in-early-years-sector-endorsed https://kingston-college.ac.uk/undergraduate https://carshalton.ac.uk/undergraduate/ The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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flexible working

The future of

flexible working?

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

flexible working Almost twenty years ago, comedian, actor and writer Ricky Gervais rose to fame in the BBC’s hit mockumentary sitcom, The Office. It followed the lives of ordinary workers in a branch of a large paper company, Wernham Hogg, in the Slough Trading Estate in Berkshire.

Sandra Porter of HR Dept, says: “Over the longer term there will be much wider adoption of remote working and a greater sense of flexibility regarding where and when the work gets done. There are many factors for business owners to consider.

Where can employees work effectively and meet the needs of the individual and the business? Does there need to be options for increased flexibility of working hours and a greater focus on optimal output rather than hours clocked?”

“How successfully businesses maximise these opportunities depends on many factors including the perspective of the business owner, the trust they have in their team, the adoption of technology and enhanced communication channels.”

The key challenge for employers is to turn the new normal into a positive future for good work habits and a decent work/life balance for staff.

Sandra says: “Working from home does not free the employer from their health and safety obligations. Helping employees to work efficiently from home requires an honest conversation about how the employee will be able to create an appropriate safe space – both physically and mentally – while working from home. The need for boundaries around working hours to prevent an “always on” culture needs to be communicated explicitly to prevent bad habits or unfair expectations. Encouragement of increased formal and informal communication should be considered to replace the chat in the kitchen or around the water cooler, so that employees don’t become disengaged or isolated when away from the office.

In truth, remote and flexible working had become more common by the time COVID-19 hit UK shores, with technology allowing more people to work from home or on the move. COVID-19 has merely reinforced the message that, in many cases, it’s possible for people to carry out their day jobs remotely.

So, what does the future of work/office life look like now?

Nicolle Anderson, business development director at Business Clan, says: “We need to look at the reasons for asking people to work in an office rather than from home. The circumstances for getting the team together should be positive and purposeful. People would look forward to going into the office for these reasons rather than it being a daily drudge.

“At Business Clan, even pre-COVID, our policy was that you can work when and where you want to as long as work is completed to high standards and to

The Royal Borough of

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Chamber of Commerce

“There are also benefits for employers. Without the restrictions of needing to employ people who can get to a specific location for a specific time, there’s an opportunity to recruit from a far wider talent pool. Office space is often a significant cost to a business and employers are now considering whether a permanent office is needed or whether they can downsize or use flexible office space as and when they need it.”

It’s clear that a new way of working will bring new challenges – both operational and legal.

Now, however, the viability of the physical office has been called into question by the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen thousands of workers from across the borough work from the confines of their own home.

However, this is not necessarily a good thing; several reports have highlighted workers’ increased anxiety and isolation due to being away from the office environment. Other studies have reported an erosion in the divide between work and home life, with some workers feeling unable to switch off from work to enjoy time with their families.

deadline. We meet in the office for team and client meetings, for project work and on-the-job training where face-to-face collaboration is more effective.

Otherwise, there’s no obligation to work there.

This blended approach requires a shift away from the misguided view that people are only working if the employer can see them working. The benefits are that employees who feel trusted deliver more and less time spent commuting means they have more time and energy to devote to their work and personal lives.

Nicolle adds: “Employers need to be careful not to lose the sense of belonging which is easy to cultivate if you work side-by-side all day, but can easily be lost when your team is working from home. Home workers need the same level of engagement and interaction with colleagues as they had in the office to safeguard the psychological connection between worker and employer. This will become increasingly important as team structures evolve over time due to staff turnover and preexisting social connections from office life are no longer in place.”

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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BUSINESSES PLAYING THEIR PART IN

COMBATING COVID-19

Over the past few months, businesses across Kingston have worked incredibly hard to make themselves COVID-secure, to protect their customers and staff.

We want to say thank you for all you have done.

are now legally required to create, download and display a poster containing a unique QR code on their premises.

You can create your QR code at www.gov.uk/ create-coronavirus-qr-poster Venues not displaying a QR code may be fined £1,000.

The NHS App enables your customers and visitors to register their details and log that they have visited a specific venue. For those customers who do not have smartphones or who do not wish to use the QR code, a written record of their personal details must still be retained by the business or venue.

The more people who use the NHS Test and Trace App, the more the NHS will be able to track the virus and send alerts to businesses and customers who may have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID. There is more information about the NHS App at www.covid19.nhs.uk If you have any questions about your responsibilities under the COVID legislation, please contact licensing@kingston.gov.uk

Despite these efforts, rates of coronavirus have risen across the country. In response, the Government has implemented new regulations and guidance for businesses to reduce the spread of the virus.

Rule of Six The Rule of Six limits the number of people who can meet together in and out of their homes, or in hospitality settings, to six.

This may have implications for your business as you will not be able to take bookings for groups of more than six people or allow groups of more than six to sit or mingle together.

There are some exceptions to the rule, such as where the household is larger than six people in total or where it is a support bubble, but it will not be possible to book events such as Christmas lunches for groups larger than six people.

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Businesses and event holders will now be breaking the law if they do not comply with the regulations and could face prosecution and a fine or a fixed penalty notice of £1,000.

NHS Test and Trace App Many businesses and venues are now legally required to collect contact information from their customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace.

The new law covers venues where people are likely to congregate for more than 15 minutes at a distance of less than 2 metres - including hospitality venues, close contact services, community centres and libraries.

Businesses and venues must ensure these details are collected, stored securely and retained for 21 days.

To support the collection of this data, the Government has launched the NHS Test and Trace App. Businesses and venues in England and Wales

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

Thank you for your continuing support to keep Kingston safe.

cover feature - Kingston open for business

Kingston is open and ready for business!

Back in March, time seemed to stop as COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Many non-essential businesses such as shops, restaurants, theatres and bars temporarily closed their doors as the UK went into lockdown.

The Royal Borough of

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Chamber of Commerce

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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cover feature - Kingston open for business A few months later, there were signs of optimism on the horizon as large swathes of the business community opened up again and we saw muchneeded activity on the high streets. Recently, the UK has seen a swift rise in new COVID-19 cases – a development that has forced the government to impose new restrictions to stop a potentially deadly second wave of the virus. However, a return to a full-scale national lockdown seems unlikely as ministers try to balance the need to keep people safe with the need to keep the economy going.

Locally, companies in Kingston are doing everything they can to adapt to the current, evolving situation.

They are, however, keen to promote the message that they are very much open and ready for business.

Sam Berry runs a small neighbourhood restaurant, No.97, which is located in the heart of leafy Maple Road in Surbiton. The concept of the business is simple: contemporary dining in a relaxed environment, serving food inspired by fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, paired with an eclectic selection of wines, gin and innovative cocktails.

Sam has spent the last few months adapting his business to comply with coronavirus restrictions while trying to provide a top-class service to customers.

He says: “COVID-19 has affected us all, especially after restaurants were forced to close. We wanted to push and keep going so we turned our restaurant into a takeaway operation offering a five-course tasting menu takeaway side and pre-batched cocktails to go alongside it, delivered locally every Friday.

“Once restrictions began to ease, we started building up slowly, only opening a few days a week. We are now almost back to normal reopening hours and have been pretty busy considering the current circumstances. We have also decided to put some positivity into the business and have been crazy enough to open a new restaurant located in Thames Dittion Marina overlooking the River Thames.

“We have put in place various safety measures, such as sanitising stations, reduced tables and reduced covers, and we’ve followed government guidelines on track and trace by obtaining details of customers who walk through our doors. That said, we’ve also wanted to create as much of a normal environment as possible to make people feel relaxed and less on edge.”

Sam has been willing to adapt in the current pandemic to keep his business going. He moved his gin company – www.thegoodlifemerch.co.uk – online and offered a takeaway operation until he was allowed to reopen. He remains positive about the future, while being realistic enough to realise that there may be some difficult challenges ahead.

“I don’t want to be arrogant or negative,” he says.

“I’ve built up this business over the last four years

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

“We’ve certainly seen quite a lot of activity in New Malden. Nandos still seems to have a queue outside of it on Friday lunchtimes and the shops seem busy. I’ve even seen new businesses pop up in the last six months, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Claire Darby, Pearson Hards solicitors

and we now have four restaurants in the group, all local to Kingston. I will do everything in my power to survive this and make sure we can continue to keep all of our amazing staff employed.

“We’re very lucky to be based in Surbiton.

People who live in the area want to support local businesses and we have felt that for the whole of lockdown. We are forever grateful for this and it gives us the motivation to make everything work.”

There are signs that the borough of Kingston is seeing increased activity following the relaxation of certain restrictions during the early part of the summer. Claire Darby, partner in the dispute resolution department at Pearson Hards solicitors in New Malden, says that shoppers have flocked to the high street and surrounding areas in recent weeks.

She says: “We’ve certainly seen quite a lot of activity in New Malden. Nandos still seems to have a queue outside of it on Friday lunchtimes and the shops seem busy. I’ve even seen new businesses pop up in the last six months, despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think that people are shopping much more locally and doing so in their own towns much more than before. Personally, the current situation has made me think about what I need a lot more and whether I need to make a trip anywhere. I’ve certainly made fewer trips into Kingston as I know it will be very busy there with lots of people. That’s obviously good for Kingston but if you’re wanting to avoid crowds a bit more then it’s not necessarily the place to be! New Malden has always been busy, especially at lunchtime with all of the restaurants down the high street, and I haven’t really seen any difference now.”

Claire’s assertion that towns in the borough are busy is borne out by evidence from Kingston First, the local Business Improvement District (BID). Footfall in the borough in August was triple what it had been during the height of the lockdown in May, according to the BID, while the year-on-year decrease in

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

footfall in August was significantly lower than the decline in Greater London in the same month.

Meanwhile, retail, food and beverage sales in Kingston continued to bounce back strongly in August compared to the previous month.

Forbes Low, chief executive of Kingston Chamber of Commerce, adds: “We know that Kingston businesses have been through a lot in recent months but there are signs that the wheels of commerce are turning once again. Naturally, we have to remain cautious and vigilant, especially given the recent rise in coronavirus cases, but it’s important to keep the economy going while keeping workers and customers as safe as possible. Kingston Chamber will continue to offer our assistance, advice and guidance to businesses wherever we can. We all need to come together to ensure we protect companies and jobs, keep people healthy and sustain an economic recovery.”

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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As businesses continue to face challenges, Julie Leach explains why managing employee’s performance is as important now as ever….

Many businesses are facing significant changes to their sectors and industries at the moment. In times of change, giving people a clear message about what the company is working to achieve and what is needed to get there, will give employees clarity, structure and purpose. This is needed more now than ever in this ever-changing world.

Ideally this should start with a clearly communicated strategy from Senior Management. This creates focus and gives direction as to where the business needs to go.

From this, managers can then determine what needs to happen in their team/department to ensure everyone is working together to achieve the same objective.

There are many frameworks that can be used to support this process, however something relatively simple that is clearly understood by everyone is a great starting point.

1. Start with good quality job descriptions; they form the basis of what someone expects to do in their job. These also form a key part of the recruitment and selection process so should be readily available. If not, write them. Include key tasks, responsibilities and skills.

a customer base? Delivering a new system on time? The creation of a new product offering?

Re-aligning the business to a new environment?

Whatever the goal is, break it down into smaller tasks that can be allocated to people.

3. Talk to the team and explain why they have been allocated certain tasks and then meet frequently to discuss how they are performing.

Provide positive feedback, coach and address areas where performance is below the required standard. Ensure the tasks they are given are specific, can be measured, can be achieved, are relevant and have a time frame for delivery.

5. Encourage the right behaviours as well.

Consider what’s important at the moment…. teamwork, embracing change, trust and open and honest communication.

There are many ways of recording all of this but a document that is clear and simple will work better than something complicated, detailed and confusing.

Continued effort in this area will result in a committed, engaged and motivated group of employees with a clear sense of purpose in these challenging times.

4. Repeat the process of giving employees key tasks, also known as objectives, every few months and by monitoring and reviewing performance the team will move the business in the right direction.

2. Spend some time establishing what tangibly needs to happen in the team/department to drive success. Is it retaining clients? Growing

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

• Do they have the right skills to objectively analyse their businesses in depth and have the courage to make the necessary changes?

• Do they have the necessary business tools and methodologies they need to undertake the process?

This year’s pandemic has shown that businesses and the individuals leading them are incredibly adaptive even in periods of great stress, which is why this is exactly the right time for them to consider a business coaching programme. Great challenges lie ahead but also great opportunities and the businesses that take the time now to think about how the crisis has changed working practices, will be the ones at an advantage when the dust settles.

A practical and hand-on coaching programme provides the space to reflect on the bigger picture and discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the current environment in a more strategic way.

Similarly taking a step back to discuss the challenges ahead with someone who is not only neutral to the day-today stresses of your business but who is experienced in finding solutions and overcoming obstacles to business growth can be invaluable.

It’s unquestionable that the pandemic has affected business in countless ways, both negative and positive. Many have undergone substantial change such as increased/decreased customer demand, changing modes of delivery for products and services, revised cost structures and alternative use of resources.

The result is that their business models have changed, in many cases significantly and in order to recover and prosper, business owners need to review what has happened and develop a new model for success and growth.

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

The questions business owners need to answer are: • Where they are now?

• Where do they need to be in 12 months, 2 years and ultimately to achieve their goals?

• How do they build and understand a new model to get them there?

• And most importantly what are the practical steps and strategies they must implement now to make the change happen?

However, addressing these questions is just the first step and one which can seem daunting when undertaken without support. Business owners are likely to be faced with the following difficulties: • The need to adapt is urgent

At Kingston Burrowes, many of our clients have spoken of the issues outlined above, which led us to develop the ‘Back to Business’, Business Recovery and Growth Programme. Aimed at established businesses looking to reshape and grow, the programme will help business owners to acquire the skills and expertise to re-model their businesses and develop and implement a structured growth strategy.

This hands-on programme introduces practical strategies that build a platform for sustainable business recovery and growth. The programme also introduces the tools and techniques to deliver effective and definable business change and future proof it in uncertain times. Participants are provided with support specific to their businesses, enabling them to navigate their unique challenges and ultimately achieve their business goals and vision.

For more information on the Back to Business Programme, or to reserve a FREE place at the online taster session on 22 October, please visit http://bit.ly/KingstonBurrowes or email amyjudd@kingstonburrowes.com.

• Where do they find the time to re-model their businesses if they are already firefighting to survive?

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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chamber events local success stories. All businesses are welcome from large corporations, SME’s, start-ups and entrepreneurs based in or looking to do business in the borough.

It will include a variety of seminars, round table discussions, exhibitors, and speed networking. The challenge of taking events online and keeping them engaged is a big one, but we believe the expo offers a really fast paced, pro-active online experience, allowing attendees to connect face to face (on screen) and make real life connections.

With the recent announcement that more people can expect to remain working from home for at least the next 6 months, the use of technology for networking and events has become part of our everyday work experience. If you haven’t embraced it yet, you surely will need to remain visible and active in your business community.

The expo is free to attend, simply register online at https://www.accelevents. com/e/ChessingtonBusinessExpo

Still not sure? Well here is the feedback from attendees at the Online Kingston Expo: “I thought it worked excellently - in fact I probably made more connections then actually being face to face! - maybe an online version is something to consider even when all social distancing is back to normal?”

The Chessington Expo is now in its third year, it was set up to shine a light on the south of the borough, celebrate local business and build a community through networking and support. As with most events in 2020 this expo cannot take place as a face to face event due to the pandemic but following the success of taking the Kingston Business Expo online, we are committed to

continuing to provide an opportunity to showcase the local business community to engage, recover and grow stronger.

The Expo is focused on bringing the local businesses together, offering visitors the opportunity to network and build relationships. It will also deliver valuable business seminars and inspiring

“What a phenomenal event. So much to do.

Thank you Kingston Chamber of Commerce, this is a truly brilliant achievement.”

“Honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect from an online event but it really was brilliant!

How on earth you managed to provide such a seamless online experience I will not know, but it was incredible ...”

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

chamber events

Teeing off in 2020 Like many other events, the annual chamber golf day scheduled to take place in March 2020 had to be postponed due to the pandemic however we were lucky enough to be able to re-schedule the event for September and actually hold a real in person event!

Ellen Fermie Clint Whittaker Paul Bateman Patrik Nilsson

Howard White Chris Maloney Sean Arulrajah Martin Pocock

Restrictions meant that numbers had to be limited and teams had to remain socially distanced but despite the increased hand sanitising and mask wearing, it was so nice to actually be out at a venue and talking to people again. Surbiton Golf Club had done a great job of setting up a

Justin Pinches Andy Oliver Jason Lurie Chris Churchman

covid secure environment, all players felt very safe attending and as a bonus, the weather was perfect.

Surbiton Golf Club has a heritage stretching back to 1895 and is regarded as one of the best presented in Surrey. The 6056-yard (par 70) course offers a surprising test – with narrow fairways, subtle greens, plenty of mature trees and changes in elevation, making it a worthy challenge for the four teams competing for the Chamber Trophy 2020:

Peter Greenwood Bruce Burrowes Jerry Irving

Following the round of Golf, teams were able to enjoy a delicious dinner in the clubhouse. It was a close contest but the winning team players; Justin Pinches, Andy Oliver, Jason Laurie and Chris Churchman were crowned the Chamber Champions for 2020. Chris was also the lucky winner of the nearest the pin competition and took home the bubbly!

Chamber Events – Get Involved It looks like Virtual events are here to stay for the foreseeable future and we continue to offer a range of online networking, training, and social opportunities. While we still hear the phrase ‘I don’t do online networking’, more and more small businesses are realising that they have little choice, for now at least, while others are loving the online experience and fully engaged with the new normal. Whatever your viewpoint, we encourage you to get involved and give it a try! It might not be the same but it really does work and is surprisingly productive.

Plus, you don’t need to travel or get dressed up (but please do get dressed!) or worry about those awkward moments when you walk into the room and don’t know anyone.

Take a look at our website for all our upcoming events and those run by our members https://www.kingstonchamber.co.uk/events/

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

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the big interview

Coombe Hill Manor takes care to combat COVID-19

“At Coombe Hill Manor we get to know each resident on an individual basis.

They almost become part of a family here.”

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

the big interview When COVID-19 hit UK shores, Coombe Hill Manor had more reason than most to be careful. Part of the Signature Senior Lifestyle group, the Kingston-UponThames-based luxury care home looks after 90 residents – many of them in their eighties and nineties – so was quick off the blocks to ensure that they, and their families, were protected from the worst effects of the virus.

At the forefront of this mission was Customer Liaison Manager Jane Knight.

She says: “We quickly isolated residents, closed the restaurants and stopped visitors from coming to the home. We adopted a process that is known in the industry as barrier nursing, which is effectively the implementation of stringent infection control techniques to prevent the spread of the virus and minimise risk.

This included full PPE for staff, regular sanitising and deep-cleaning of areas every time they were used. We also replaced bedding, duvets, towels and flannels.”

This approach had the desired effect of eradicating COVID-19 from the care home, which was rated outstanding in a recent Care Quality Commission report. Now, as the country gradually brings the virus under control, Coombe Hill Manor is cautiously relaxing some of the restrictions, which include the important step of allowing relatives back into the home to see their loved ones.

Jane says: “The decision to ease restrictions wasn’t taken lightly; it was made in strict accordance with Public Health England, Care England Guidance and our own robust internal risk assessment process. However, it’s so important for residents to be able to interact with their loved ones.

“In lockdown, we arranged video calls so residents could interact remotely but now they can see each other face to face. We still have social distancing rules in place but we’ve been able to adapt – for instance by organising socially distanced exercises classes to boost the residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.

“When you’re in a social environment it allows you to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.

We don’t want Coombe Hill Manor to be a lonely place for anyone, which is why we have an art gallery on the third floor which enables residents to bring out their creative talents. Some of the drawings really are impressive. We’ve also reintroduced regular games and quizzes, which have seen some residents get quite competitive! These things are good for them to exercise their mind.”

Jane fell into the care sector “almost by accident” after starting her career as a fashion buyer. She emigrated to Canada, where her son was born, The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

before returning to the UK several years later to pursue a career in sales and marketing. When the global financial crash occurred in 2008, however, she was made redundant and this paved the way for her entrance into the care sector – an industry that has underpinned her career for the last eleven years.

In her current role, Jane manages new enquiries and helps families decide whether or not it’s the right time to move their loved one into a care home. On one level, she does the necessary administrative work – making sure that everything is done in accordance with current guidance and legislation, for example – but the role involves so much more than that.

Jane explains: “The main part of my job is to discover the needs of each resident. Not just what time they want to eat their dinner, but what motivates them to get up in the morning? What makes them smile? What sort of person are they – shy and reserved or outgoing and bubbly?

“At Coombe Hill Manor we get to know each resident on an individual basis. They almost become part of a family here.”

It’s a rewarding job, although not one for the fainthearted. The care sector is grappling with a multitude of challenges, including COVID-19, funding pressures and reputational damage due to some negative stories in the media.

For Jane, however, it’s a “brilliant” industry that showcases human warmth at its finest. “l can honestly say that it’s the best job I’ve had in my career,” she says. “There’s a slightly negative perception of care homes and that’s unfair. If you visited Coombe Hill Manor, you’d see all of the good things we do, the enjoyment we bring to residents and the fantastic interaction between staff, residents and their families.

“I’m truly proud that Coombe is recognised as an outstanding home, which means it sits in the top 4% of UK care homes. We also worked for two years to achieve Beacon Status for EOL (End of Life) Care – the highest accreditation possible.

“I wouldn’t swap this job for the world.”

Jane Knight:

THE INSIDE STORY Favourite food…Italian, fish, seafood Favourite tipple… Gin and tonic, cocktails, champagne Favourite holiday? Anywhere right now! If I had to pick one destination it would be the Garden Route in South Africa Describe your family life? I am married to my husband, Richard, my son James currently works from home and I have a dog, Monty How do you spend your downtime?

Reading, cooking and being with friends What are your key strengths as a manager? Leading by example, setting high standards, mentoring others, teamwork And your limitations? I can be impatient Best thing about doing business in the borough? The positive working relationships with experienced and enthusiastic people who want the best results Famous person you’d most like to spend dinner with? Bill Bailey Most interesting fact about yourself?

I was a fashion buyer in my first career

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

25

DELIVERING PEACE OF MIND

The Signature way • Award winning exceptional care • Spacious apartment accommodation • Five-star amenities • Highly skilled professional care and nursing team • Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)

Signature at Coombe Hill Manor is open to visitors and welcoming new residents.

Our luxury homes across London and the home counties are open to visitors. We are actively taking new admissions for those who could benefit from our industry leading accommodation and care.

We offer assisted living, nursing and dementia care in luxury apartment style accommodation with facilities such as kitchenettes and wet rooms allowing residents to isolate in comfort if needed.

We have also invested heavily in specialist training, equipment and rigorous additional health and safety protocols to uphold the safest environment possible, ensuring total peace of mind for you and your loved ones and allowing us to robustly deal with any potential future risks.

Call Jane or Mark to book your appointment or video tour:

0204 533 8912 enquiries.coombe@signaturesl.co.uk signature-care-homes.co.uk Coombe Lane West, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7EQ

health & wellbeing

CIPD prioritises mental health The CIPD has joined 32 other leading organisations in signing an open letter committing to prioritising the mental health of their employees as they return to work.

Joining organisations including Unilever, Barclays and Santander, the CIPD has signed an open letter to The Times newspaper which details this commitment.

The letter comes as fears grow around the knock-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health.

The open letter cites research by the charity Mind, which found that 35% of employees describe their mental health as either poor or very poor, and that the prospect of returning to work was causing them to feel anxious.

This is reinforced by CIPD research which found that 43% of employees said their general mental health has worsened since the coronavirus outbreak, rising to 52% for those with an existing mental health issue.

From an employer perspective, the CIPD found that 88% of employers are concerned about the impact of the pandemic on employee mental health. When asked for more detail about mental health issues, fear and anxiety about themselves or a loved one becoming ill was by far the most common concern reported by employees within the surveyed organisations.

business recovery discussions. The people profession has a crucial role to play in ensuring this happens.

The CIPD has produced a range of guidance and resources for employers and people professionals to support the health and wellbeing of employees.

The organisation has produced a guide, “Coronavirus (COVID-19): mental health and returning to the workplace”, which details how practitioners can support the mental health of employees as lockdown ends and there is a phased return to the workplace.

Employers can also see the full range of the CIPD’s health and wellbeing resources on the pandemic, such as resources to support the wellbeing of remote workers.

For more information, visit https://www.cipd. co.uk/news-views/coronavirus

The open letter emphasises that “there has never been a more important time to build back better when it comes to supporting employee mental health and wellbeing. As a group of leading employers and industry bodies in Britain, we are committed to doing this”.

As the country continues to re-adjust from the impacts of COVID-19, employee mental health needs to be prioritised as a factor at the heart of any

Benefit your employees.

Benefit your business.

No matter the size of your business, your employees are a valuable asset.

WPA have a comprehensive range of business health insurance products and advanced services to protect and support employee health and wellbeing.

Contact Tom Bradley to find out more Director of JSB Private Healthcare Limited, an Appointed Representative of WPA Healthcare Practice Plc

07446 856700 | 01372 621030

tom.bradley@hcp-plc.org.uk | wpa.org.uk/tombradley Part of the WPA Group Registered in England and Wales No. 07320330 The Healthcare Practice is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

09/20598

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

27

Private healthcare at Kingston Hospital At Kingston Hospital we offer a wide range of private services for those who wish to use their health insurance* or who want to pay independently.

Private fertility clinics supported by Kingston Hospital’s Assisted Conception Unit Consultant-led maternity packages, which include one-to-one midwifery care throughout delivery and postnatal stay Competitive package prices across a number of specialties including general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and urology A wide-range of cosmetic and dermatological procedures All profits are reinvested into Kingston Hospital’s NHS services.

Please contact us for further information or visit our website for more information about the services we offer: T:

020 8546 6677

W: E:

KingstonPrivateHealth.co.uk KPHEnquiries@nhs.net @KPHKingston KingstonPrivateHealth

* Kingston Private Health is recognised by leading UK and international medical insurers

top tips

Embracing your diverse workforce photo: Paula Massey

If you’re looking for legislative guidance or strategic input to support the needs of your disabled staff, you won’t be short on information. But what if your staff have children with disabilities? Particularly, hidden disabilities, such as ADHD or autism, which are neurological and complex to support? Suzy Rowland’s book S.E.N.D. in the Clowns takes parents (and employees) on that journey:

Five top tips 1 Getting an autism or ADHD diagnosis can be a relief for many parents. It’s not until the condition starts to impact the daily challenges of school, that parents realise the extent to which their working life might also be affected. Pupils with a statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) are almost seven times more likely to receive a permanent exclusion than pupils with no SEN and are nine times more likely to receive a fixed period exclusion. The main reason they receive fixed period exclusions is due to ‘persistent disruptive behaviour’ (DfE).

2. When your child is excluded and you’re a working parent, you need to arrange extra childminder/ nanny/au pair time to supervise your child. If you are selfemployed and you take time off, you may not be able to recover loss of earnings. If you’ve worked for your employer for a year or more on a permanent contract, you have the right to unpaid time off work to look after your children. You can take unpaid time off to deal with unexpected problems, for example when childminding arrangements break down or an exclusion.

You also have a responsibility to your employer, outlined in your contract of employment.

Remaining in employment is advisable for parents of children with disabilities, to avoid the hardship associated with unemployment. Seek specialist legal advice about your child’s rights. Some S.E.N.D. legal experts provide representation on a lower cost basis if you are a low-income household. Be clear about what you need before you

discuss or sign anything. Give yourself time before you appoint a lawyer. Get at least 3 firms to discuss their terms with you.

3. Independent Parental Special Educational Advice (IPSEA) website is great for legal questions. It explains your rights and the council’s responsibilities; you can download sample letters if you wish to appeal, complain or go to a tribunal. The special educational needs support service SENDIASS can also help. If you’re a single parent, you will need to make sure you access the benefits you are entitled to, so you can meet childcare costs without getting into debt. Whatever your personal situation, if your child has SEN, their safety and wellbeing is paramount, especially if you employ a tutor, carer or they attend classes or activities away from home.

• Encourage individuals to lead and run workplace support groups, (e.g. parents of autistic children).

• Ensure groups are well-regulated, and employees adhere to company policy.

• Encourage groups to devise channels for constructive feedback.

• Ensure groups are open and inclusive to all.

5. Suggestions for employees • Build a reputation for being trustworthy, reliable, hardworking & flexible.

• Prove your worth, before asking for time out.

• Be prepared to give and take.

4. Suggestions for employers

• Keep good records of your hours, be ready to negotiate for unexpected time out, remember other colleagues have family responsibilities too.

• Develop a culture where inclusivity is the ‘norm.’

• Don’t give up at the first hurdle. happyinschoolproject.com

Suzy Rowland

Writer | Poet | Founder, happyinschool project www.happyinschoolproject.com suzyrowland.com +44 7947 801044 The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

29

Has your insurance broker publicly pledged to put your interests first?

There’san aneasy easyway waytoto tell.

There’s tell.

Thebadge badgesays saysit itall. all.

The

Looking for an insurance broker?

Choose Chartered.

Chartered status, explained

Chartered status in business

Royal charters go all the way back to the 13th century. The idea was simple: serve society by creating and defining the highest professional standards, uphold those standards, and drive them forward. The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) achieved its royal charter in 1912. The CII has been entrusted with raising standards in the insurance and personal finance sectors ever since.

Attaining the highest standards in insurance isn’t easy, but with Chartered status, demonstrating a commitment to those standards is.

Chartered status allows firms to make a pledge to uphold good practice.

It tells their clients everything they need to know about working with Chartered professionals. It says this firm is committed to a level of clientcentricity rooted in professionalism and ethics.

Chartered status is awarded to individual professionals such as brokers, underwriters and claims practitioners who display eminence in their field, as well as to firms themselves. To become a Chartered firm involves a commitment to expertise, integrity and clientcentricity. Standards of excellence in qualifications, ethics, business practices and professional development must be maintained.

By choosing Chartered, you are choosing an insurer or insurance broker that has made a public commitment to professionalism.

The CII sets the bar, a firm meets it.

Chartered status allows customers to recognise this excellence. It represents a pledge of enhanced standards.

That’s what the Chartered badge stands for.

Why choose a Chartered insurance broker?

Quite simply, it’s about dealing with a professional. Chartered insurance brokers have made a joint public commitment with the CII to deliver the highest standards of professionalism, then placed a public badge on that commitment.

It’s about being transparent, having integrity and being committed to serving society. In fact, Chartered status cannot be attained without a clear customer focus. By choosing Chartered, customers can benefit from professionals who put their needs and ethics at the heart of their business.

Where to find a Chartered firm Many insurers, brokers, underwriting agents and financial planners have been awarded Chartered status. To Choose Chartered, simply look out for the badge on a firm’s website, email or letterhead. Alternatively, go to cii.co.uk/charteredinsurancebrokers where you can check whether your broker is CII Chartered, and find more information about what it takes to achieve Chartered status.

The Chartered badge proudly tells you when a professional has made a public commitment to upholding the highest standards and putting you first.

The badge says it all.

Chartered Insurance Institute Standards. Professionalism. Trust.

cii.co.uk/charteredinsurancebrokers

ask the expert How do I support my staff/business to achieve fantastic results in challenging economic conditions?

Pippa Dunford, founder of The PiPP Consultancy In the fast-paced world in which we now live, priority and focus on P&Ls and results often leads to people being forgotten within business.

It’s an old cliché, but people do determine the success of a business.

It makes sense, therefore, to invest in them and ensure they have the right environment to thrive and be as productive as possible.

In some companies that I’ve come across, there are major challenges surrounding their staff. These include people working in silos instead of with each other, and poor leadership which then demotivates staff.

In putting the emphasis back on people, we help companies to re-release the passion, drive and focus which can so often be lost by the everchanging and sometimes conflicting tactical needs of organisations today.

After many years of working alongside teams and individuals, we’ve witnessed a significant change in priorities and focus in recent years while businesses navigate their way through changing and challenging trading environments.

It’s clear to us that in order to be successful and achieve outstanding results, it must be recognised that although targets and short-term gains are required, the motivation, passion, reward and investment into teams and individuals is absolutely critical. Finding the right balance for all involved is integral to making a sustainable and successful business.

The current trading environment is naturally dominated and shaped by COVID-19. The pandemic has accelerated companies’ thinking about the importance of the working environment, the ability to maximise productivity while some staff work remotely, and the importance of helping staff achieve a good work-life balance. Some companies are doing this very well. For example, one client enabled all their employees who had children at home during lockdown, to only work 4 hrs, morning or afternoon, whilst still paying them in full, which alleviated a lot of stress and worry and helped them juggle the demands of their job with their family life.

It’s also important that companies keep staff connected with each other and don’t let them become isolated, especially if they’re working remotely. There have been lots of innovative ways companies have done this, from organising quizzes, walk ‘n’ talks to social meets via Zoom to ensure staff can keep in touch in a non-work-related way.

So, with focus on what Teams need, in order to succeed, creating the right Balance at work and

keeping everyone Connected, with open and safe communication is vital to achieve fantastic results, particularly in these challenging times.

We work with companies of all sizes, who recognise that they need or want to change the way they do things but often don’t know where to start. From coaching leaders & training groups to working with Board teams on Strategy & Future Planning, with work in partnership to understand what outcome they want to deliver, the inputs needed to get there and who’s involved. Getting the right people to work with is critical, so we give time up front for you to get to know us, build trust and get the right fit, before committing to anything.

Essentially, we’ve developed a unique approach that addresses all stages of the change journey needed to help find the right balance, for organisations and their people. Our strapline – passion in people and performance – is intrinsic to everything that we do.

Having worked in FMCG, Retail and Media for 25yrs, Pippa Dunford established The PiPP Consultancy out of a genuine desire to provide a fresh, innovative and, above all, inspiring partnership approach to ensure that people, as the most valuable asset of a business, are once again placed at the heart of UK organisations.

For more information visit www.thepippconsultancy.uk

Managing change through Covid-19 recovery – need help?

Call Pippa Dunford 07968 025206 or email Pippa@ThePiPPConsultancy.uk The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

31

cats protection

Promoting awareness for Cats Protection in Kingston Sutton, Kingston & District are your local Cats Protection branch. Cats Protection is the only national charity specifically for cats whose vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. The branch was formed in 1982 originally in Sutton and Cheam and expanded to the Kingston area in 2012. We help with rehoming and rescuing stray cats, promote neutering with campaigns when we offer free neutering and microchipping and we aim to educate the public about cat welfare.

Our aim for 2020 is to promote awareness of our branch in the Kingston area and to hold a Community Neutering campaign in an area of Kingston that has many unneutered and stray cats.

Neutering cats has many health benefits for the cat as well as the obvious one of reducing the cat population through stopping unwanted kittens. We would also like to educate the public to stop buying kittens from websites and unlicensed breeders when there are so many rescue kittens and cats needing a good home.

We are also looking for volunteers especially if you are recently retired. If you are a person with a bit of spare time on your hands and you are an animal lover there are many ways you can help the cats in our care by supporting our fosterers and welfare team. This could involve assisting with a rescue, trapping a stray, scanning a cat for a microchip, delivering food and supplies to our fosterers or taking a cat to the vets. Experience is not necessary, and we provide full support and training.

Being able to drive and having a car is essential. You would not have to commit to a set day or time each week (as the needs for help are more random). Expenses will be reimbursed so you will not be out of pocket.

We are also looking for local businesses to help us either by sponsoring one of our newsletters, choosing us as a partner charity, encouraging staff to help us with fundraising activities or join us as a member through various payday schemes or just by putting up posters in your businesses.

If you or your business can help us in any way or would like more information see our website www.sutton.cats.org.uk or call 07873 157585.

Other volunteer roles available involve administration duties needed to run the branch. One of these we need help with is organising our Social Media. All administration roles would be undertaken from your own home so you would need access to a computer and WiFi. They would not be a set time or day so can fit in with your lifestyle and commitments.

Sutton, Kingston & District Branch HOW YOU CAN HELP US Support us financially - See our website for ways to donate and our membership scheme Volunteer with the Branch - spare a little time to help local cats and kittens B ecome a Fosterer - open your home to a stray cat Adopt one of our cats - if you are thinking of adopting a cat please adopt a Cats Protection cat from your local branch or Homing Centre

For further information please contact: T: E: W: fb:

0345 260 2792 enquiries@sutton.cats.org.uk www.sutton.cats.org.uk cats protection sutton kingston & district

Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

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BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

membership

Your membership has never been so important to us.

Thank you. Thank you for your loyal commitment to Kingston Chamber and, in turn, to the business community. When we know so many businesses are struggling to overcome the financial pressures and the mental stresses from the COVID marathon, your membership support provides more and more.

As I have spoken before, any financial investment or subscription has to have true benefits and value. I must ensure that we must always view our work from our members’ perspective. It matters to us that you get the business, personal and local value. What exactly do you get with your membership support?

The Royal Borough of

Kingston

Chamber of Commerce

As a not-for-profit organisation, all Kingston Chamber income is generated almost entirely from membership fees and invested directly into providing valuable services to support long term and sustainable local business growth. Our remit is to work across the whole Borough: New Malden, Tolworth, Chessington, Surbiton and Kingston.

The value of your membership goes a long way. Like many businesses, we have had to adapt to the world of online networking events, business support, bitesize workshops for start-ups and two business Expos each year. Through your backing, the Chamber could provide the first online Kingston Business Expo. We are learning, trying to adapt and deliver webinars that you want or would find valuable.

There is far more activity behind the networking and events though. With your commitment, the Chamber can work with our local strategic partnerships, such as Kingston Council, Kingston

First, Kingston University, Kingston College, our local MPs and many others. They want to hear what you are doing. Before, during COVID and moving forward, these relationships are essential as we provide the platform to channel your business voice and influence local decision making.

You may not be aware of this but your membership helps us to encourage the next start up, or host the next Expo, provide HR, digital skills or mental health webinars. In a time where we are asked as individuals to be more isolated or more disconnected, the Chamber is working hard to bring these barriers down, to bring people and businesses together online. In a time when the journey is tough, the Chamber wants to give you a hand, to promote the many talented and diverse businesses we have in the Borough.

Thank you Forbes Low CEO, Kingston Chamber of Commerce

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

33

starting up

West9 Design Claire Harrison

Q1 Tell us a bit about your business?

I am a graphic designer with over 20 years experience in the industry. I work with businesses to find the best creative solutions for their brand and communication needs. My services include: •

Branding (from a logo to a full visual identity);

•

Digital (social media, websites, e-newsletters);

•

Print (annual reports, exhibition etc).

Q2 What gives your business ‘the x-factor’?

I was once told by a client that I was “more than a designer”, which got me thinking – my experience in design and management have allowed me to better work with my clients. I guide my clients on branding and best practice for their communications, making them more effective – rather than just following the brief. Think of me as your in-house designer without the extra costs/hassle.

Q3 What motivated you to set up in business?

I’ve always had a desire to have my own business, and the confidence gained from my years managing the in-house design team at LSE gave me the assurance to take the leap. At home, my eldest child was off to high school and elderly parents were requiring more attention, so it made sense on lots of levels and gave me that extra flexibility.

a steep learning curve, but I have enjoyed learning new skills and creating my own working processes for my business.

but I do miss the colleagues so it’s important for me to connect with people and the Kingston Chamber has been a great help with this.

Q5 What has been your greatest business success to date?

Q7 In terms of business achievements, where do you want to be within the next year 5 years?

In my first year I have a great portfolio of clients and had the chance to work with some like-minded people on some fantastic projects. Two highlights for me are the work for Positively Putney BID and the Humanities@70 project for Imperial college which included an exhibition in their main entrance. You can view both on my website!

Q6 What has been your lowest moment?

The impact of COVID-19 has been hard as it has for many. Work went quiet for a few months and I was pleased I had saved a little money before starting my venture. Balancing work with homeschooling was stressful, trying to keep my youngest off of her Roblox game. My early focus on building my network and building relationships helped me through this time. Being on your own a lot can be hard as a freelancer - I don’t miss the office politics

Q4 What do you like most about working for a start-up?

Being my own boss and managing work around family to get the right balance is great. It has been

34

BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community

In the next 5 years I want to continue building my portfolio of clients. I am keen to work more with a collective of creatives (photographers, copywriters, marketeers etc) to further enhance my work.

Q8 What would be your top tip to someone thinking of starting up their own business?

Don’t underestimate the network you already have. Tell people what you are doing, you never know where the next client may come from – a friend of a friend, contact at the school gate or a past colleague who’s moved on. Most of my work has come from people I either know or are recommended by someone I know. Be confident in your skills and abilities and talk about them.

West9design.co.uk

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A warm welcome to the occupiers that have joined Barwell in 2020

Located in Chessington just off Leatherhead Road (A243) M25 J9 approx 2.75 miles south and A3 approx 1.5 miles north Regular bus services to Kingston-upon-Thames

Unit 50 14,136 sq ft Refurbishment Underway

Chessington South railway station within 5 minutes walk.

London Waterloo only 35 minutes direct

Jonathan Hillman barwell@bridgerbell.com DD: +44 (0)1372 730011

Robert Bradley-Smith robert.bradley-smith@altusgroup.com M: +44 (0)7469 854799

Sally Holley sally.holley@bridgerbell.com DD: +44 (0)1372 730004

Harvey Arrowsmith harvey.arrowsmith@altusgroup.com DD: +44 (0)7976 681953

@BarwellBP

@barwellbp

www.facebook.com/barwellbp