Communities matter…Ten Years of Kingstonfirst... Page 5 • Networking News... Page 11

EurekaThe Business Magazine for the Kingston area

SPRING 2014

April 2 Kingston Chamber Curry Club

Joy Indian Restaurant, Surbiton

3 Kingston Business Excellence Awards LaunchWarren House

10 Kingston Chamber Networking BreakfastBoConcept, Kingston

16 Kingston Chamber New Business Start-up Workshop

May1 Riverboat Shuffle in aid of Love Kingston

New Southern Belle, Turk Launches(See back cover for details)

5 May MerrieKingston Town Centre

8 Kingston Chamber Networking Breakfast Gordon Bennett, Surbiton

8 Kingstonfirst Launch of BID3www.kingstonfirst.co.uk

9 The Mayor’s Charity BallHoliday Inn Kingston South

13 Kingston Chamber Retail Therapy EveningBentalls

16 1914: Remembering Kingston at WarKingston Museum

21 Kingston Chamber AGM and LunchHoliday Inn Kingston South

June11 Kingston Business Expo

and Networking BreakfastKingston University Business School

24 Kingston Futures ConferenceRoyal Borough of Kingstonwww.kingstonfutures.org.uk

July10 Kingston Chamber Networking Breakfast

The Kingston Gate, Norbiton

20 Kingston Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge

2

Dates for yourDiary

KINGSTON BUSINESS

EXPO2014Marketing and much, much more

Thursday 11th June 2014Kingston University Business School, 9.30am – 3pm. Easy access and free parking.

· Over 40 exhibitors · Over 700 attendees expected· Free seminars by · Networking breakfast

expert speakers

Stand, breakfast and visitor bookings now being taken

Joinus

@

To book a Chamber event visit www.kingstonchamber.co.uk/eventsTo keep up-to-date with all Kingston Chamber events ‘Like’ our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

Welcome to the first edition of Eureka for 2014 and,thankfully, as I am writing this, our weather forecasts arenow beginning to mirror the positive economic forecastswe are hearing from both the government and the Bank ofEngland. Spring is well on its way and growth forecasts forthis year have now been raised a good deal higher thanpreviously set.

I believe business confidence in Kingston has beenincreasing for some time now and, as businesses look toexpand and maximise their business developmentopportunities, it is crucial that they get their marketing strategiesright. And so this year’s Kingston Business Expo, in June, is themed‘Marketing and Much, Much More’ aimed at providing all the ideasand solutions you need. Stands are already selling fast, so whetheryou are looking to exhibit, or attend as a visitor, book early to ensureyour place.

I am delighted with the positive impact our new website is havingon a number of facets of Chamber business since it was launched inNovember last year. In particular, we are now receiving a highervolume of membership enquiries and our business support resourcecentre ‘Donut’ is becoming an invaluable solution for answeringmany of your ‘what do I do?’ business enquiries. With all thisincreased traffic, the advertising opportunities we offer within thesite should be a must for those looking to reinforce their businessbrand locally.

Finally, you will see that our diary is packed with a variety of eventsand, recognising that business is not all about hard work, ourPresident is sending an open invitation to an evening of fun,entertainment and music on the river. The event will be our finale ofsupport for Love Kingston, Sarah’s chosen charity for the year, andour ‘Riverboat Shuffle’ promises to be THE social event in Kingston’sspring calendar. So do come and bring your partners, family andfriends with you.

I hope you enjoy this edition of your magazine and I look forward toseeing many of you at some of our great spring events.

FromtheCEO+++

Membership: Jerry Irving • Finance, Events and Administration: Wanda McFarlane • Membership and Events: Amanda MellettEditorial, Advertising, Design and Production: The Creative People www.thecreativepeople.co.uk Event Photographs: Paul Milsom www.paulmilsom.co.uk and Karen Powell www.thecreativepeople.co.ukThe Royal Borough of Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Suite Eight, First Floor Offices, Kingstons House, 15 Coombe Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7AB T 020 8541 4441 E marketing@kingstonchamber.co.uk W kingstonchamber.co.ukEureka is compiled with the utmost care, however, the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

3

Jerry Irving Chief Executive, Kingston Chamber of Commercejerry@kingstonchamber.co.uk

New members+++ContactErica LeslieChristina Haemmerli SchlegelChristine BunceDarren Salanson David RandallGemma TreeAlex WoolmanMaria KittJacqueline Ghose

Activity/BusinessReflexology, Workplace MassageBusiness and Management ConsultancyCare ProvidersPhotographyBusiness ServicesRecruitment ConsultantsElectrical ContractorsFinancial Advice and ServicesCorporate and Personal Coaching Service

CompanyA Little Holistic OasisAssist With SolutionsCoombe Hill ManorDarren Salanson PhotographyMaple WorksOffice AngelsRedlands Electrical LtdTaxAssist UKYB12Coach

Front CoverLeft - Right: Kingston Chamber Breakfast at YMCA © Paul Milsom; The Canbury Arms; The Mayor of Kingstonsupporting Love Kingston Day at BHS, Kingston; MayorBoris Johnson in The Surbiton Flyer © Karen Powell;Networking Lunch at Warren House © Paul Milsom; Tiffin Girls Young Enterprise presentation during MarchChamber Breakfast at The Canbury Arms; Visual of theregeneration of Kingston’s Ancient Market Place © RBK.

ContentsFrom our President 4

Ten Years of Kingstonfirst 5

Record Breaking Charity Quiz Night 6

Chamber Members Working Together 6

New VoIP System for Chamber 7

Young Enterprise 7

New Opportunities with Get on Track 8

New Digital Training Short Courses 9at Kingston University

Meet the MD 10

Networking News 11

Love Kingston Day 12

4

As the business community feels more confidentthat economic growth is not transitory, we canreflect on the changes that have occurred in recentyears in the business landscape and the way that wedo business.

There is a greater sense of collaboration amongstbusinesses, and business as part of the community.Flourishing enterprises have been established byindividuals who, before the recession, workedwithin corporations; have been made redundant orchosen new, more local, flexible, and often morefamily friendly ways of working.

At the Chamber networking lunch at The FrenchTable we heard about Maple Works, an innovativebusiness hub offering space and shared facilities forbusinesses. A great example of where morebusinesses are finding synergy with others toprovide complimentary services and networks ofreferrals.

That corporate responsibility has become a collectiveresponsibility is evidenced not least by the

tremendous support shown forLove Kingston and the localcharities supported under its umbrella.

The business community is integral to the quality oflife in an area. Kingston upon Thames BoroughPolice, for example, recognising increasingly thatengagement with the business community, as wellas the residential community, is a strong driver ofpublic confidence is second only to Richmond in theMetropolitan Police area, for the strongest rating ofcommunity confidence in the job that the localpolice are doing in their area.

Kingston, and its business community, has goodreason for optimism and much to celebrate. I dohope that you, your business, contacts, friends andpartners will join us on the Chamber RiverboatShuffle on 1st May to usher in a sizzling summer.

Sarah Cornes, Partner TWM Solicitors LLPEmail: sarah.cornes@twmsolicitors.com

From our PresidentThe Kingston business community has good reason to be optimistic

Whenever you need legal advice, whatever the reason, TWM Solicitors can help. Whether a business or private legal matter, ours is an attentive and personal service. We are one of Surrey’s leading law firms and our expertise and local knowledge is combined for the benefit of our clients.

For a no obligation discussion, visit our web site, email sarah.cornes@twmsolicitors.com or call 020 8946 6454

www.twmsolicitors.com

Pre-nups for same sex couples gettingmarried advised bylaw firmFrom 29 March 2014, same sex couples will be able to marryin civil ceremonies and in religious ceremonies, where areligious organisation has opted in to marrying same sexcouples. Couples who have entered into a civil partnershipwill be able to convert that civil partnership to a marriage ifthey wish. Individuals who want to change their legal genderwill be able to do so without having to end their marriage.

If you are considering marriage, it is always a good idea tofind out the financial implications of doing so. For somecouples, a pre-nuptial agreement may be a good idea. They are particularly relevant where one person is in a muchbetter financial position than the other prior to the marriage,or where one or both of the couples have children fromprevious relationships whom they would want to provide forif the marriage broke down.

As Stonewall have acknowledged, it is a historic moment forlesbian, gay and bisexual people, their families and friends.The Act means that for the first time, children growing up tobe gay in England and Wales, will have full equality in law.TWM Solicitors is included among Stonewall’s list of approvedlegal advisers in the south east of England.

For further information, contact Sarah Cornes on 020 8946 6454 or email sarah.cornes@twmsolicitors.com

5

Kingstonfirst is acommercially led,independent, not forprofit and experiencedcompany that wasestablished in 2004 byKingston upon Thames’town centre businesses to champion theirinterests and deliverpositive change.Kingstonfirst is uniquelyplaced to protect theirinterests and promoteeconomic prosperity in the town.

Kingstonfirst has evolvedduring its tenure. The focusfor the first five-year term(2005-2010) was on creatinga safer and cleaner towncentre, while the secondterm (2010-2015) focusedon the marketing andpromotion of Kingston,along with opportunities forcommunity engagement andfor businesses to drive downcosts.

Kingstonfirst’s focus for thethird term (2015-2020) is tobuild on its successes and todeliver a more innovative,commercial and bespokeapproach to shaping an even

greater future for Kingston’stown centre through closecollaboration with itspartners.

Kingstonfirst’s role is moreimportant than ever beforeas the Local GovernmentAssociation warns that thenext two years will be thetoughest yet for Councils,with funding being reducedby £20bn (43 per cent).

What doesKingstonfirst do?Everything Kingstonfirst doesis with the aim to makeKingston a leadingdestination in the UK,ultimately making it a betterplace for people to visit,work and live. All activitiesare categorised in three maindelivery areas:

MarketingAt the start of the first BID,Kingstonfirst pledged toincrease customers toKingston’s town centre byone million people a year.Since then, footfall hasincreased by 2.45 million a year, with 20.8 milliondaytime visitors recorded in 2013.

To achieve this, Kingstonfirstcoordinates a number ofevents in the town Centre,including the Kingston FoodFestival and the ChristmasLights Switch On. In addition,Kingstonfirst manages thequality markets programme,including the AncientMarket, Monday Market and the award-winningNight Markets.

Kingstonfirst’s award-winning ambassador teamoffers a warm welcome tovisitors from their home atthe visitor information kioskand out and about oninformation bikes.

ManagingKingstonfirst has continuedto manage Kingston’s towncentre to ensure that itmaintains its reputation as aclean and safe place. Byworking in partnership withthe Metropolitan Police, localbusinesses and localgovernment, Kingstonfirsthas reduced crime by 43%.This translates to nearly 780 fewer crimes each year.

In addition, Kingstonfirst iscommitted to enhancing the

local environment. Often,this means that the Rangersdeal with all the things thatno one else wants to dealwith, including graffitiremoval, chewing gumremoval, clearing of fly-tipsand street washing. Anotherproject is Kingstonfirst’scardboard recycling scheme,which resulted in over 200businesses saving an averageof £1,242 each year sincethe scheme began.

ShapingAs well as managing the day-to-day operations in thetown centre, Kingstonfirstalso plays a significant role inshaping its future. Incollaboration with itspartners, Kingstonfirst wasinstrumental in securing£2.6m from the GreaterLondon Authority forinvestment in the town.

The Kingstonfirst team alsomaintains regular dialoguewith the town’s businesses toensure their views are takeninto account in key decisionsbeing made.

To find out more visitwww.kingstonfirst.co.uk

Ten Years of Kingstonfirst

You can become an Associate Member of Kingstonfirstfrom just £30 per month!*

Benefits:� Promote your business via Kingstonfirst’s website and

app. You can add your news, events and special offers. In addition you will receive an enhanced business directorylisting.

� Access to Kingstonfirst Facebook and Twitter to promote offers and events.

� Opportunities to host national journalists – last year Kingstonbusinesses received over £1 million pounds worth of coverage.

� Promote your business via the Award Winning AmbassadorInformation kiosk and info bikes.

� Opportunities to promote your business at the Kingston University student events.

FIRSTFOR MARKETING YOURBUSINESSFor more information callRebecca Handley on 020 8547 1221 *Conditions apply

At Menzies, we understand that running your business todeliver the profits you long for can be complex and challenging.As a business owner you need to stay ahead and maximiseprofitability so you can increase the level of income youextract from it.

But how can you ensure your business delivers what you need?

Finding the right advice when you need it often marks thedifference between success and crisis. We understand howyou think and can help you implement the right profit makingstrategies, whilst at the same time increase the level of energyand focus to bring positive change in your business.

To find out how we can help you please emailenquiries@menzies.co.uk or visit

www.menzies.co.uk

Isn’t it time you started workingon your business, not in it?

6

Members Tee OffChamber members, NigelPacey and Paul Geoghegan,first met at a Chamber Retailevening held in Bentalls in Spring 2013. Nigelwas interested to learnabout the healthinsurance policies that Paul’s companyprovide andsubsequently took outa policy with WPA.

During the eveningthey discovered thatthey both shared a mutualinterest in golf, promptingthem to play a few rounds atHampton Court’s Home ParkGolf Club.

Enjoying a drink, after agame of golf, they mulledover ways to promote theircompanies and hatched aplan to sponsor a jointChamber Golf Event. Withthe help and support of JerryIrving at the Chamber andJon Wells at the Golf Studios,

Surbiton, the Golf eveningtook place on 19 March andwas a great success.

Paul Geoghegan, Private Medical Associates Ltd www.WPA.org.uk/paulgeoghegan

Jon Wells, Golf Studioswww.golf-studios.com

Nigel Pacey, Huntcliff Ltdwww.huntcliff.org.uk

Chambers Members WorkingTogether+++

Record BreakingCharity Quiz NightMenzies LLP’s 22nd Annual Charity Quiz, held at Imber Court on 18 March, produced a record breaking result – over £4,000 was raised for Combat Stress, their nominated charity.

Combat Stress is celebrating its 95th anniversary this year,having been founded at the end of the First World War tocare for the men returning from the front line sufferingfrom shell shock. Service-related mental ill-health not onlyaffects the Armed Forces, but also their family and friends.

Whilst the nature of combat has changed over the lastcentury, the need for intensive professional supportadapted to the needs of veterans is still as great today.Combat Stress is currently supporting more than 5,400veterans across the UK including 806 who served in Iraqand 519 who served in Afghanistan.

Menzies was pleased to welcome local business people,including Kingston Chamber members, banks andcommunity organizations, who tackled questions thrown at them by the question master and his virtual assistant.

If you would like to participate in next year’s quiz night,please register your interest via email:eastsurreyquiz@menzies.co.uk

If you would like tosponsor a Chamber Eventplease contact Amandaon 020 8541 4441

7

New VoIP systemfor ChamberThe Chamber had been consideringinvesting in a new telephone system forsome time and this issue came to a headwhen a further extension was required forAmanda, who hadrecentlyjoined theteam.In order toensure wefound theright solutionwe invitedproposals from Kingston Telecom SolutionsLtd, who are well established members ofthe Chamber, and BT. After someconsultation Kingston Telecom Solutionsrecommended we change to a new VoIPsystem with multi-function handsets. The installation went very smoothly and theswitchover from BT was seamless; we areextremely pleased with the results.

Our thanks to Hamid for a great service.

Contact Hamid Pourmand, Kingston Telecom Solutions Ltdwww.kingston-telecom.com

Young Enterprise Kingston Trade Fair The Chamber of Commerce has a great tradition of supporting the Young Enterprise Company Programmeand we were delighted to sponsor anawards category at the Richmond andKingston Area Trade Fair which tookplace in Eden Walk, Kingston onSaturday 8 March. In addition to thecategory of ‘Best Product’, which theChamber sponsored, there were alsothree other categories, including ‘OverallBest Company’ to be appraised and tofurther our involvement, I was happy to join the judging panel on the day.

I am always amazed at the standard of entrepreneurship and ingenuityshown by Young Enterprise companies and this year was no different. In all, fifteen companies from nine different schools had booked stalls andthe products they were selling ranged from Tie Dye Socks, an encryptedUSD Flash Databand to a 3 in 1 lens attachment for your mobile phonecamera. Bright sunshine on the day brought the crowds into town andshoppers were keen to purchase many of these new and innovativeproducts resulting in some of the companies actually selling out of stock!

I would like to congratulate all of the Y E companies that took part and, in particular ‘Rise’ from Tiffin Girls who won our ‘Best Product’ category with their custom designed coat hangers and ‘Kudos’, also from Tiffin Girls, who were the ‘Overall Best Company’ on the day with their 3 in 1 lensattachment.

Jerry Irving, CEO Kingston Chamber of Commerce

Best Overall Company – Kudos(Tiffin Girls School) with Mayor ofRichmond(l) Meena Bond andMayor of Kingston(r) Penny Shelton

TURN YOUR SPARE ROOM INTO EXTRA

We are on the hunt for some amazing people to rent out their spare room to a young person aged 16 to 25.

We are recruiting hosts in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames who can provide a safe environment for a young person, for which you will receive £100 a week rent. All new Hosts will receive £100 in vouchers once they have completed the recruitment process.

If you think you could make a difference to a young person or would like to find out more,

www.ymcalsw.org/ypslThe Young People’s Supported Lodgings is run by

YMCA London South West. YMCA LSW is a registered charity.

INCOME AND HELP A YOUNG PERSON...

call Zoe for an informal chat: T: 020 8544 6661 / E: zoesargent@ymcalsw.org

8

“Taking part in Get On Trackwas great. It gave me asense of direction andactually lifted a lot of weightoff my shoulders because itmade me realise what I wantto do with my life, andhelped me focus onreaching my goals instead of focusing on what I couldn’t do”.

These are the words of Dylan Meyers(25), who took part in Get On Track;an employability programme for youngpeople aged 16-25 which wasimplemented at YMCA London SouthWest in the autumn of 2013.

When he signed up for the programme,Dylan was unemployed and not ineducation or any training. He had beenliving at the hostel at YMCAWimbledon for a while, where he wasspending much of his time in the Y+ Fitness gym. Through the staff atYMCA Wimbledon, he heard about GetOn Track and decided to give it a shot.

Today, he is enrolled at RichmondCollege where he is studying tobecome a FitnessInstructor.

“Get On Track gaveme a boost of confidence and changedme in a positive way, enabling me toget where I am today”, he says.

In Get on Track, participants arementored by world class athletes whouse their experiences from sports andcompetitions to support young peoplein getting their lives ‘on track’.

Even before taking part in Get OnTrack, Dylan was determined to pursuea career in fitness and sports.

He says that having Olympic athletesas mentors was the main incentivewhich made him sign up.

For Dylan the change lead to newpossibilities and the opportunity tobuild a future in what he has alwaysdreamt about doing. As a consequenceof the exit routes provided in theprogramme, he started volunteering inthe Y+ Fitness gym at YMCA Surbiton.

“I love every minute of my time at the YMCA LSW gym in Surbiton”, he says. “I have a motto that I readsomewhere, saying: doing what youlike is freedom, liking what you do ishappiness. I just think that thisexpresses my feelings of how much I enjoy volunteering here. I have reallyfound my calling in life”.

If you know of apprenticeships,volunteer options, workplacements or any other exit routesthat could suit a young personaged 16-25 who has taken part inGet On Track, please contactprogramme Co-ordinator Anna L. Harris onannalharris@ymcalsw.org

New Opportunities with Get On Track

9

Education andtraining+++SEC(14.068)M

We live in an ‘always on’, ‘always connected’ society; today,people can consume information using multiple devices,simultaneously. Thanks to rapidly evolving technology, thereare a myriad of digital communications tools, platforms andchannels - websites, email, ebooks, apps on tablets orsmartphones – at our disposal, enabling businesses toconnect with their target audience anytime, anywhere.However, the key to success is to know how to use thistechnology appropriately and to its maximum potential todeliver optimum results for your business. And, that is wheregood ‘outcome-based’ training comes into play.

Kingston University has just launched an exciting new rangeof intensive short courses in digital publishing and digitalmedia training. Market-led and developed with businessneeds in mind, our digital training short courses will equipyou with the knowledge and skills that make youcomfortable, confident and competent in the digital arena.

There are nine courses available and they address a broadrange of digital training needs across sectors and disciplines.On the more general end of the spectrum, you may needhelp assessing your company’s digital content strategy – doyou have one? Do you know how to create compellingcontent and make it work hard for you, maximising searchengine optimisation (SEO) to ensure your message is seen by

as many people as possible? Or, more specifically, you canlearn about user centred design which will help youunderstand how the transition to digital needs to be done ina way that engages and retains customer interest. Alsoavailable is the opportunity to explore the vast possibilities toconnect with customers by learning how to turn printedcommunications or new material into engaging, interactiveapps or ebooks.

Delivered by experienced digital practitioners, over shortperiods of time (to minimise your time out of the office), classsizes are kept small to encourage group interaction. Coursesare delivered in our state-of-the-art facilities, making sure youhave access to the most up-to-date technologies. Thesecourses promise to be transformative and will take yourbusiness to another level. Courses will run in June and weare open for bookings now.

For more detailed information on each course please visit ourwebsite – www.kingston.ac.uk/dpm14 or call us or email us –we are here to help you!

For further information contact: Martin SargeantE: enterprise@kingston.ac.ukT: 020 8417 3045www.kingston.ac.uk/dpm14

New Digital Training Short Courses at Kingston University

10

Tell us about Forbes Design and your role as MDWe are a graphic design company, specialising in branding, logo design, event and marketingcollateral, infographics and websites. Our clientsectors include health, event organisations in UK,Europe and Middle East, medical publishers, smallbusinesses, trade associations and charitableorganisations.From when I set up the business over 15 years ago,my role has always been to commit to:• putting our clients first and listen to what

they want• delivering a personal service with individually

crafted, intelligent creativity• showing that service and quality is everything• getting results within a budget that makes sense.

How do you engage with local businesses topromote your company?Although my business is based in Victoria, I grew upin the Kingston area. Being a member of KingstonChamber is important as it gives me the chance toget involved in local activities and to put somethingback into the community. As a business, we do thisby supporting and encouraging local businesspartnerships; wherever we can, we choose to workwith local companies and recommend where wecan. It’s a network community and it’s a satisfying

feeling recommending businesses and seeing newwork partnerships take off.

What is your involvement with the Chamberand how does it help you?I have been with the Chamber for over four years. I regularly attend the breakfasts and other socialactivities and have met many interesting, bright andwelcoming people. The Chamber has generatedwork projects but, possibly more importantly, it has given me support outside of business, such as decorators, solicitors and health contacts. By helping my domestic life, my business life hasbeen better. The Chamber has also been informativeto me by listening and understanding how othercompanies approach their plans and work.

What are the future plans for your business?World domination! No, seriously, I couldn’t think ofanything worse. The last 4-5 years have seen somany unexpected and sudden changes for everyone.The old game plans have gone out the window andthe ability to adapt, move quickly and be flexible arenow essential. The changes have been challenging,but it has been exciting to push forward new ideas.Some ideas have failed, but it’s been worth tryingthem. It’s hard work and, at times a juggling act,but I am very fortunate that I enjoy what I do; andthat makes a big difference.

Meet the MD

Forbes Low Forbes Design Associates

83 Victoria Street VictoriaLondon SW1H 0HW

020 3008 7840

www.forbesdesign.co.uk

forbes designsdesigdedd

“If you don’t stand for something, you will fall foranything.”Malcolm X

We all want to grow our businessesand stand for something.Perhaps you want to encourage new sponsors to join,have a conference to promote, need to raise funding,re-invigorate a tired brand or simply tell people whatmakes your business the one to choose.

How do we do this? We need to be remarkable. Whenthat happens, people will talk, the word will spread andsales will grow. You may feel you are noticed but is itenough for you?

We want you to be remarkable; that is what we specialise in.

T: 020 3008 7840E: forbes@forbesdesign.co.ukW: www.forbesdesign.co.uk

our full range of printed products020 8391 0011 www.directcolour.com Email: contact@directcolour.com

SuperPrintAmazingPrices

Meet the MD+++

April Networking Breakfast at BoConceptJoin us on 10 April at the iconic BoConcept Store in Kingston. You can’t miss their modern round glass building onEden Street. Enjoy a fabulous champagne breakfast and a light canapé buffet whilst learning more about BoConcept.Don’t forget to bring your business cards for a chance to WIN a very special BoConcept Design Accessory!

May Networking Breakfast with EBS DigitalGordon Bennett in Surbiton is the host for our breakfast on 8 May. A venue that’s always popular for their heartyhome cooked full English! We will be joined by EBS Digital who will be explaining how to make the most of your websiteto increase its traffic and generate more business.

Visit www.kingstonchamber.co.uk to book events

Tony Fernandez, Jerry Irving andHilary Gander experiencing the‘ Boudicca The Liquid Game’ exhibitionat The Stanley Picker Gallery.

11

Chamber mem

bersTim B

all of Bal

l Design

and Paul H

icksonof Me

nziesclearl

y being

entertained

by Actress

Kim Ismay

and Natalie

Harveyfrom

the Charity

Momentum at

our

January bre

akfastat th

e YMCA.

Jacqueline Ghose of YB12 Coach and Lianne Bayne

of Clear Insurance taking the opportunity toswap business cards at the Warren House lunch

in January.

After a splendid lunch at The French Table,Richard Sealtiel told us about the great newwork hub, ‘Maple Works’, now open in MapleRoad, Surbiton.

Mike Daley of

greatvideo.com

tryingout

the ‘TripleTake’ ca

mera onhis sma

rtphone

at TheCanbury

Arms Breakfast

in March.

Ann O’Neill of Grassroots HR enjoying theelegant surroundings and fabulous breakfastat Carluccio’s in Bentalls in February.

Networking news+++

More pictures areavailable in

the Events Gallery on our website

12

BonsorsChartered Surveyors and Commercial Property Agents

Guaranteed Commercial PropertySolutions

www.bonsors.com

Many thanks to all those who allowed us to have Love Kingston Boards on theirproperties across the Borough as part ofour sponsorship of Love Kingston Day.

We Love KingstonToo!

Kingston Braved the Stormsfor Love Kingston DayDespite the wild weather on Friday 14 February, localresidents, businesses, shops, schools, choirs, pubs andbanks bravely turned out to fundraising events fromdawn until dusk, with the aim of raising money for theLove Kingston Day appeal.

They were all helping to change thelives of thousands of localresidents including homelesspeople, abused women, familieswithout a meal on the table or infinancial hardship, and troubledteenagers. Although ourborough has some of the wealthiest2% of UK residents, it also has some of the mostdeprived 2% living side by side – with one in three childrenliving below the poverty line in some areas, and times aregetting tougher.

Many events took place across the borough:

� Kingston Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Raffle raised £414

� The Canbury Arms Coffee Morning raised over £600

� Colemans ctts Solicitors raised over £800� The Rich Man Poor Man event raised £1,800!

Elaine Miller, Fundraising Manager for Love Kingston said:“What an amazing day! We were delighted to see so manybusinesses, groups and individuals support Love Kingstonthrough one special day of fundraising. We had great funrunning all over town taking pictures of everyone taking part,from making collections at local stations; to coffee mornings;meeting the Mayor, Penny Shelton; artist Lee Campbell atBHS Kingston; the Euphonix Choir singing Love Songs; staff at Colemans ctts solicitors dyeing their hair red; andmen waxing their legs; to a comedy in the evening at The Willoughby Arms; to live music and a lucky dip meal at Rich Man, Poor Man.”

The final sum raised is still to be confirmed, but it is expectedto far exceed the 2013 total.

If you missed out on all the fun but would still like to supportthe Love Kingston appeal you can still donate online or by text.

All donation details are on the website at www.love-kingston.org.uk or contact Elaine MillerLove Kingston Fundraising Manager Email: elaine@londoncf.org.uk

Step aboard THE Kingston Event of 2014!Ticket Price: £45 per person, discounts for group bookings

Includes welcome drink and buffet

1st May 2014Riverboat ShuffleON BOARD THE NEW SOUTHERN BELLE

kindly donated by Turk Launches

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY ONwww.kingstonchamber.co.uk

in aid of LOVE

KINGSTON

PHOTOGRAPHY AND DESIGN © THE CREATIVE PEOPLE