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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 WELCOME TO
BOROUGH BUSINESS
Economy 7
Patron News 8-10
Skills 12
Flexible Working 14-15
Cover Feature - Kingston Open for
Business 17-19 The Kingston Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Events 22-23
The Big Interview 24-25 magazine for all Businesses in Kingston
Health and Wellbeing 27
Top Tips 29 At the time of writing this foreword, The new Kickstart campaign has been wine and gin tasting and our unique
Ask the Expert 31 there is a sense of a collective announced and the Chamber is putting and amusing quiz nights. Thank you to
Membership 33 holding of breath. September has ourselves forward to be a representative. all our members for making these events
Starting up 34 loomed large as a critical month in so There are still a number of areas that we vibrant, encouraging and enjoyable. I
many different ways. need clarifying but please get in contact have tremendous respect for so many
Editorial and General Enquiries with us as we want to provide support Kingston businesses. They have shown
Guildhall, High Street The education sector has worked hard here. For more information, please read grit and determination in what is proving
Kingston upon Thames. KT1 1EU. to ensure that the opening of schools, the article on p7. to be a long marathon. We need to keep
020 8541 4441 universities and colleges can be safe strengthening our sense of connection
Email: office@kingstonchamber.co.uk and ready to provide vital education The Chamber provided it’s first, exciting with each other, to keep that sense of
Web: www.kingstonchamber.co.uk again. After long months of juggling online Kingston Business Expo in July. It collective spirit and not become isolated.
Chief Executive: Forbes Low home education, cajoling and allowing was a mixture of roundtables, webinars,
Publisher: Ian Fletcher all screen time rules to be broken, exhibitors, an economic specialist from There have been hardships, not just in
Benham Publishing Limited households have been hoping this period HSBC and speed networking. The day the workplace, but at home. The loss of
Aintree Building, Aintree Way, will signal the biggest step forward back was a technical challenge but I think a a parent or friend, or not being able to
Aintree Business Park, Liverpool L9 5AQ to normality. With the recent restrictions great success. There were lessons learnt see a parent in a care home, can be a
Tel: 0151 236 4141 tightening again, keeping the education so we are delighted to look forward to judder at any point; at the moment, this
Fax: 0151 236 0440 doors open is so important to students the Chessington Business Expo grief feels greater. I know many of you
Email: admin@benhampublishing.com and many employees. on October 23rd. I encourage you all to have been coping with these painful
Web: www.benhampublishing.com
sign up and be involved in the day. days so our thoughts are with you.
Published September also signals the winding
Autumn 2020 © Benham Publishing down of the furlough scheme which will On October 1st/2nd, the Chamber We will continue to support you the best
and Kingston Chamber of Commerce finish in October. Everyone is aware that hosted a Digital Unlocked that we can and act as your business
Advertising and Features this scheme has supported all kinds of programme. Many businesses have advocates. Take care and please look
Karen Hall Tel: 0151 236 4141 businesses and employees so it is inevitable needed to adjust quickly to online after each other.
Email: karen@benhampublishing.com that there are concerns as to what will demands so the programme provided
Production Manager happen next. Although the new Job bite sized workshops and discussion
Peter Wilkinson Tel: 0151 236 4141 Support Scheme will open on 1 November groups to offer practical advice from
Email: peter@benhampublishing.com 2020, and run for 6 months, this is unlikely websites, SEO, online strategies to social
Media No. 1763 to have the same financial impact as the media and content creation. Our thanks
Disclaimer furlough scheme. Regrettably, job losses go to IQinIT who sponsored this event.
Borough Business is published for Kingston have happened and will continue to do so
Chamber of Commerce and is distributed without but to what extent is hard to predict at this The Chamber has continued to provide Forbes Low CEO
charge to Chamber members. All correspondence point but providing new skills, training and engaging bi-weekly online networking Kingston Chamber of Commerce
should be addressed to Kingston Chamber of
Commerce. Views expressed in Borough Business
hope is essential. sessions, online social events such as forbes@kingstonchamber.co.uk
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
07 1417 24
cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in
web or email links supplied to us.
Patron Members
The Royal Borough of
Kingston BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 3
Chamber of Commerce
join us
Welcome
The Royal Borough of
to our new members
Kingston AdJuice SEO
Services Ltd
Orr Litchfield
Solicitors Limited
Chamber of Commerce
Ewan Kennedy Patrick Orr
www.adjuice.co.uk/seo-surrey www.orrlitchfield.com
Boxed Local Parita Shah
Peter was thrilled Richard Hards
he could get his business www.boxedlocal.co
Consulting
Parita Shah
noticed online through Citizen Zoo www.paritashahconsulting.co.uk
the Chamber Lucas Ruzo
networks www.citizenzoo.org Resonate
Interiors Ltd
Donna Winning Events Pernille Stafford
Donna Winning
www.donnawinningevents.com www.resonateinteriors.com
Guy Spence Silly Billie
Consulting Ltd Creative
Guy Spence Olivia Kursar
www.sillybilliecreative.com
Nyki Clark Coaching
Nyki Clark The PiPP
Oakhouse Software Ltd Consultancy
Lawrence Liao Pippa Dunford
www.oakhousesoftware.com www.thepippconsultancy.uk
Reasons to join...
Membership of Kingston Chamber of Commerce brings
“ As a small business owner, networking a wealth of immediate benefits to your business.
with others through the Chamber is a
key way for me to build business 1 Welcoming, professional and supportive environment
relationships and get mutual support. 2 Two successful business Expos; Kingston and
Chessington
In these turbulent times it’s even more
critical to interact with others who are 3 Regular online networking events and business webinars
experiencing similar issues.”
Amanda Cullen
4 Local supply chain opportunities and excellent links to
the wider local community
5
Business Made Simpler
Coaching and Workshops for Small Business Owners Advocacy for businesses to Kingston Council, strategic
partners and MPs in the borough
For more information or to discuss how we can help you,
please contact us at: 6 Learning opportunities and affordable training on all
business-related matters
7
Kingston Chamber of Commerce
T: 020 8541 4441 E: info@kingstonchamber.co.uk Creative online social events and meet ups
W: www.kingstonchamber.co.uk
Connect with us on @KingstonCOC Kingston CoC Find out how to join and learn how others are benefiting from
their membership. www.kingstonchamber.co.uk
4 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community
hr dept
Porter My First message
the Sorter as Chamber
Ask our resident HR
expert, Sandra Porter of President.
The HR Dept for advice on
At the time of writing, the UK is starting to emerge
your workplace worries. from national lockdown. I was elected Chamber
President at the AGM in July, which due to lockdown
‘Can you help me dismiss my Mum?’
took place online for the first time in the Chamber’s
When SME owners start a business we often need to access all of the resources 115-year history! I am incredibly proud to be the
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 first virtually elected President and grateful for the
succeed. Often this can involve family members or personal friends. But how technology that made it possible in lockdown. I would
do you run a business and maintain healthy relationships? like to thank Dr. Martha Mador, outgoing President,
Business is business, right? But it’s not as easy as that. It can be a minefield for her passion and support for the Chamber, its
where you have personal relationships that extend between the business owner Members, Patrons, Partners, Directors, and staff team
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
in the most unprecedented of times.
team! It’s more like a family tree than organisation chart. They manage the now have an opportunity to work
family dynamic really well but there are definitely things to be aware of to prevent better locally, supporting our
there being issues. Over time it is challenging to be able to address any issues local businesses and community
of underperformance or misconduct between family members. So what can you whilst improving our carbon
do to navigate the minefield?: footprint at the same time.
• Be clear with all family members the reasons why being consistent about I have been really encouraged by
expectations across the whole team is important. the early signs of recovery in the
business sector. There is no doubt
• Create job descriptions to give clarity on every role in the business to help there are tough times ahead, but
manage performance. there is much to look forward to
and be optimistic about.
• Be wary of discussing family issues when at work. Create separation by
agreeing to keep all family conversations outside of the workplace to prevent I wanted to become President to As Chamber President, I am asked
anyone from feeling alienated. help the Chamber which works to choose a local charitable or
tirelessly for the local business community organisation to support
• Be transparent with other team members that it may feel unusual but they community I am proud to be a part for my presidential year. I am thrilled
have your permission to raise any issues and disregard any relationships, of. I never imagined I would be to confirm we will be supporting
where appropriate. President in the middle of a global Citizen Zoo, a local social enterprise
pandemic when businesses are dedicated to rewilding nature and
• Use an impartial third party / outsourced HR service to investigate or take facing such big challenges and local conservation projects. Wildlife
corrective actions where required. economic uncertainty. The work that and nature are very close to my
the Chamber does to represent and heart and I hope you will join me in
campaign for local businesses has supporting them in some way. You can
If you have questions for Porter the Sorter, never been more vital. read more about them on page 6.
email hrhelp@hrdept.co.uk for consideration for
future editions. The COVID19 health pandemic Like other organisations, the
has brought massive challenges Chamber has had to find new
The HR Dept are an outsourced HR services provider and changes in our work and
supporting local SMEs with their people issues and ways of doing business. While we
personal lives. As we wait and all await further guidance on face
strategy. For advice on managing relationships in the watch for restrictions to be to face events, networking will be
workplace and anything else people related lifted, we have an opportunity online for now, but there are lots
call 0345 208 1290. to innovate and improve the of opportunities to choose from,
way we do business. We have so join in and engage. Your local
Always seek employment law advice regarding already seen a massive change
management of your people issues to ensure that you businesses need you.
in attitude to flexible working
and your business are well protected from potential which was long overdue. We Katerina Damcova
litigation risks.
The Royal Borough of
Kingston BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 5
Chamber of Commerce
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 Lucas Ruzo at Citizen Zoo added:
Citizen Zoo as her chosen “We are thrilled that Kat has decided
organisation for 2020/2021. The to offer her support. It will help us to
organisation is a community interest raise our profile and build our network
company (CIC) committed to of contacts at a time when we are
rewilding and conservation, and works working on some exciting projects.
on several projects that encourage
people to explore the great outdoors. “We’ve just launched a major
fundraising campaign to raise money
Each year, the Chamber’s president for our community-led water vole
choses to support a local organisation
reintroduction project. We’re aiming to
by providing opportunities to
raise £12,000 over a six-week period in
network with its members and raising
partnership with the Aviva Foundation
awareness of the sterling work it does
and it will be fantastic to get this
within the local community.
message out to the Chamber’s growing
Katerina said: “I am delighted to membership base. We’re even looking
support Citizen Zoo. Here at the for any partners or potential sponsors
Chamber we’re well placed to help who may want to align with our mission
them connect with the local business and this project.”
community and promote their projects,
which do so much to rebuild habitats For more information visit
and reinvigorate the natural landscape. 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.”
6 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community
Economy
Kickstart scheme
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
GOES LIVE
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
If you are hiring or considering hiring extra will be working to bring companies
and young people together to create
the Kickstart Scheme, you can submit
your application directly at https://
staff Kingston Chamber of Commerce can new jobs.”
www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-
for-a-grant-through-the-
help you make the most of government If your organisation is creating fewer
than 30 job placements, we can help kickstart-scheme.
funding to ease your wage bill.
In September ministers announced Each application should include
the £2 billion Kickstart scheme, an how you will help the participants to
incentive for businesses to help at-risk develop their skills and experience,
young people get back into work. The including:
scheme will begin in November and
run initially until the end of next year. • Support to look for long-term
work, including career advice and
Kickstart is an attempt to create setting goals
hundreds of thousands of high-quality,
six-month work placements for young • Support with CV and interview
people aged between 16 and 24. preparations
Under the scheme, the government
• Supporting the participant with
will fund some of the wage costs of
basic skills, such as attendance,
16 to 24-year-olds who are claiming timekeeping and teamwork
universal credit and at risk of long-
term unemployment who are hired by Once a job placement is created, it
employers. It will cover 100% of the can be taken up by a second person
minimum wage, national insurance once the first successful applicant has
and pension contributions for a completed their six-month term.
maximum of 25 hours a week — with
firms able to top up wages. Businesses looking to offer fewer
than 30 Kickstart roles have to
The job placements should support apply through a representative
the participants to develop the skills organisation, such as a local
and experience they need to find Chamber of Commerce. Funding
work after completing the scheme. is available following a successful
application process. Simply contact
As an incentive, the government is the Chamber to apply.
offering businesses up to £1,500
towards set-up support, training and Jane Gratton, head of people policy
the cost of uniforms. Any business, at British Chambers of Commerce
regardless of size, can apply for (BCC), says: “At a time when
funding. The job placements created cashflow is tight, this fully funded
with Kickstart funding must be new scheme will help employers bring
jobs. They must not replace existing young people into the workplace and
or planned vacancies or cause develop new talent for the future.
existing employees or contractors to
“To be successful, Kickstart needs to
lose or reduce their employment. The
create long-term, quality employment
roles must be made available for a
opportunities and ensure that
minimum of 25 hours per week for businesses and employees are fully
six months, paid at least the national supported throughout the placement.”
minimum wage for their age group,
and should not require people to “Rooted in local business communities,
undertake extensive training before Chambers of Commerce understand
they begin the job placement. employers’ growth aspirations, and
The Royal Borough of
Kingston BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 7
Chamber of Commerce
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 purchased wide beam narrowboat David Attenboroughs boat naming Records and IYAF among others. We
which will be used as a flexible space competition, Boaty McBoatface, will hope the Creative Arts in Kingston can
considerable hard work, for the Kingston community. Creatively, not be accepted this time either) so get back to what they do best soon.
the last few months have this can provide an eclectic range of keep an eye out on our social media
seen a gradual resumption events from the roof, such as hosting pages for updates and start getting Finally, we would like to say a big thank
live music, drama, comedy and spoken your creative spirit inspired. you to all residents and businesses
to an environment that is word. We are considering a range of who have helped support us through
resembling some degree uses for the inside of the boat, from a Our aim is to continually invest in the lockdown. We are really looking
of normality. pop-up coffee shop, to ice cream bar Kingston and to constantly improve forward to delivering these exciting new
or a Yoga/Pilates studio for example. the experiences on offer. With that projects and to help reinforce what a
ambition, we hope to announce
We always strive to make the visitor great town we live in.
The intention is to fit out the boat shortly an onsite, public realm art
experience to Riverside Walk as
over the winter months so it will be installation from a world renowned
welcoming, safe and entertaining Instagram: Riverside_walk
ready for use next summer. As with contemporary artist.
as possible. We are very pleased
any new boat launch, we will be Facebook: Riverside Walk
to announce the next stage of
running a competition for the chance This period has made us realise even
improvements planned for our site, Website: https://www.
to come up with a name for the boat, more how much we desperately miss
one of the highlights is the recently riversidewalkkingston.co.uk/
(am afraid the wonderful entry for our friends at the Rose, Banquet
May you live in interesting times
The old Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times” seems very apt for others and we are seeing clients looking to
auctions and elsewhere for investment prospects.
for the strange world in which we now live. With rules and restrictions As these situations crop up, seek advice at an early
stage to avoid problems becoming more complex
constantly changing, it’s hard to find firm ground on which to plan. 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 tenant matters to reduce the workload in courts Being prepared for the future
and tribulations. We went through a period where and also to protect tenants from possible eviction The loss of a loved one is distressing and
most of the staff were on furlough or working from when the opportunities for rehousing were limited. challenging at the best of times and we have seen
home but we are back operating on full speed, A hold was also placed on commercial forfeiture an increase in the number of probate cases. We
albeit with fewer visitors to the office, so social and rent recovery actions. The moratorium has
have an experienced and sympathetic team able
distancing can be observed. just been extended to 20 September. This area of
to guide and advise people through this difficult
law is technically complex so please contact Partner
So what then does the legal world look like at the period. Please contact partner Ian Lipscombe if you
Claire Darby to help you navigate through any
moment? would like to discuss any issues that you may have.
residential and commercial issues.
Making technology work for you Sadly, a majority of adults in this country still do
Housing and commercial sector update
Lawyers are not best known for being at the fore not have wills. There really is no excuse not to
Surprisingly the local housing market is very
front of technological advance. Much Court work have a will when one considers the difficulties and
buoyant. This is partly a catch up for the months
is now being dealt with digitally and hearings are unhappiness that can arise if someone dies without
in lockdown, but also a lot of new activity. The
taking place by telephone or video call. Some having made one. If you are considering making a
concessions on Stamp Duty Land Tax is an obvious
cases do need a physical hearing to be deal factor. Until 31 March 2021, the threshold for SDLT will please contact Serena Welch who can meet with
with sensitive matters and these are still possible. is raised to £500,000, with tax being paid on the clients by video call, face to face at the office or at
Family law partner, Emma Rothstein and colleague balance of price above that figure on a sliding scale. clients’ homes, for those who are less restricted.
Claudene Howell, and our civil litigation partner, Savings can be significant and so it is a good time For Pearson Hards, these interesting times continue
Claire Darby are all able to meet with clients either to buy. Please contact conveyancing partners Hatice to throw up new challenges but we are adopting
face to face or digitally, so please get in touch if Mustafa and Jonathan Throp to discuss your plans. new processes to be able to serve the people of
you need advice or assistance. New Malden going forward. Please call us if you
The commercial property sector is also showing
There has been a slowdown in civil litigation during some signs of life. Some businesses are being need help or advice on any legal issue on
lockdown but this may well change. The courts forced to sell or move to smaller accommodation. 020 8949 9500 or visit our website at
imposed a moratorium on all residential landlord Difficulties for some do create opportunities www.pearsonhards.co.uk.
8 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community
patron news Patron member,
Assistant Principal - Higher Education Holland Hahn &
and Business Development appointed at Wills, are proud
South Thames Colleges Group to celebrate their
South Thames Colleges Group are I have finally found my niche and ideal
30th anniversary
delighted to welcome Stella Raphael-
Reeves as Assistant Principal - HE and
role. A culmination of all my experiences
and a perfect fit for my charismatic
this year, and
Business Development. Stella joins
with a wealth of experience in the
nature and passion for FE and Education.
These unprecedented times allow me
are pleased that
HE in FE sector working previously at
Croydon College as Dean of HE and
to do what I feel I do best, to facilitate,
motivate and drive cultural change,
business continues
Creative Industries. She says: to engage with employers, to drive
employability and to offer a portfolio
to grow despite the
“I am very excited about starting
a new job at a wonderful College
of educational courses to reskill, upskill
and support all to progress into new
current pandemic
group, where I can bring my skills to
bear in these challenging times, by
employment or Higher Education thus
supporting to boost the economy.
restrictions.
listening and supporting businesses The work to refurbish No. 4 High
and individuals so that we offer correct “As with most FE managers, I am St continues to make excellent
training for your specific requirements. used to working under tight budgets progress, and HHW hope to be able
We work closely with SMEs, large and ever changing conditions of to celebrate their 30th anniversary
employers, local authorities, and the funding and guidance by awarding in the new office in due course,
public and charity sectors. bodies and used to having to adapt guidelines permitting. During
in a fast and responsive manner, lockdown, HHW held a couple of
“As an experienced senior manager cascade information and new visions educational webinars on financial
working in the Further Education (FE) and to my teams, motivate, enthuse and planning and investments, with more
Higher Education (HE) in the FE sector continue to push forward.” in the series planned for the autumn.
The financial planning firm has also
recently published a whitepaper on the
IQ in IT introduces IQ in IT Technical Director, Luke Whitlock says: psychology of retirement and a guide
“The new APP is a game changer for businesses operating to organising your financial affairs.
in the new work environment. It is a flexible solution, that For more information on downloading
innovative phone is both secure and affordable for our clients. Companies
can use mobile, website, home and office lines all through
these guides, plus details on future
events, visit www.hhw-uk.com/contact.
APP for flexible the APP but are only charged for the one extension. It
has click to call functionality, plus great features like HHW will also be taking part in the
communications calendar and availability synchronisation to help automate
processes even when working remotely. Great technology
CISI’s financial planning week from
5-11th October, an annual event to
for a blended work doesn’t have to cost the earth.”
• If you’d like to find out how to integrate your
promote financial awareness.
environment work phone systems, please get in touch with our
communication specialist Blake Edwards, blake.
At the start of lockdown, we were focused on getting edwards@iqinit.uk
our clients’ businesses set up to work securely and Lockdown Exit IT and HR Package Launch
seamlessly from home. As lockdown starts to ease, IQ in IT have launched a new package for post lockdown
some companies are returning to offices, so the continuity planning, aimed at companies wanting practical
needs of our clients are changing quickly. Businesses help with an effective and secure return to work. This
are moving to a blended working environment; new offering combines IT and HR to help get you out of
some employees in the office, some at home, or a lockdown and back in business.
combination of both.
The IT options offers everything from a review of work
Company phone systems now need to cope with all from home security and set up, communication tools
possible blended work set ups and be able to adapt to for remote, office and blended working, phone systems
last-minute changes that might need to happen if an and disaster recovery management. HR support can
employee must quarantine, for example, or in the event include risk assessments, social distancing measures,
of a further lockdown. Phone systems need to be robust flexible working arrangements and contractual
enough to cope with different scenarios at the touch of issues. There are different package options available
a button to make sure businesses can stay in touch with
depending on need and budget.
their customers, partners and colleagues, wherever and
however they are working. HR support is offered in partnership with Harley HR
with the aim to make one affordable package at a Chris Hirsch, HH&W
We have been busy changing phone systems to allow
discounted rate. Managing Partner,
unlimited extensions and provide APP support mobile
phones as well as using headsets with computers. This • To find out more about this please contact: inspects the progress of
helps our clients to save on hardware costs for each katerina.damcova@iqinit.uk or visit: the refurbishment.
employee to have both desk and home-based phones. https://iqinit.uk/hr_it_exit_strategy/
The Royal Borough of
Kingston BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 9
Chamber of Commerce
patron news
News from SUMMERS INMAN
Procure Partnerships Framework number of projects, focusing on the improvement Due to Covid-19, many fundraising events cancelled
Summers Inman are delighted to finally announce of the student’s experience whilst at university. so when ‘Children’s Hospice Week’ came around, we
that as of September 2020, we have been The latest project has involved the extension and wanted to do our bit to contribute. Director Alex Lodge
appointed to form part of a major public-sector refurbishment of the Faith and Spirituality space at and Business Development Coordinator Hannah Grue
supplier agreement, known as the Procure the universities’ Kingston Hill campus. completed ‘socially distanced’ challenges. Alex cycled
Partnerships Framework. This means that our 100KM on his bike, while Hannah took 100K steps –
7 offices across the UK will be able to provide We provided a team of Project Managers and both within a working week. Collectively, they raised just
Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying, Project Quantity surveyors to lead the refurbishment facility, shy of £700.
Management and Principal Designer (Health & which will contain spaces for prayer, worship,
Safety) services to a growing number of businesses meditation, reflection, meetings and discussion, as We hope that soon we can return to safely run
via this framework. well as religious washing rooms and office space. some of the events planned, and will be sure to
advertise and invite the Borough to join in support!
Summers Inman were assessed against several Together for Short Lives charity
selection criteria. Social impact was a significant We are proud to launch a fantastic new charity
factor in the process, which we value greatly. “We partnership with Together for Short Lives, which
are absolutely delighted at this result in what is a commenced earlier on in 2020. The charity offers
great step forward for the company. It is a fantastic hospice and community care to families who are
result across all geographic regions for which facing the heartbreaking experience of caring for a
we submitted our proposals, which illustrates the seriously ill child.
national capability and capacity of Summers-Inman
in the construction and property consultancy sector.” Ian Griffiths, Director, said, “Summers-Inman
are proud to be supporting Together for Short Lives
Kingston University in our Centenary year. We take our responsibility
Despite Covid-19 causing major disruption to the to help local and national causes very seriously
education sector, Summers Inman and Kingston and are excited to help support families and young
University have continued to work together on a 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 areas. “We wanted to test whether we could harness With the globe currently battling the outbreak of
5G to create mobile networks that could be deployed Covid-19, the potential for technologies such as these
5G technology could be used to in places like Malaysia after the tsunami,” he said. to make a difference during similar public health
provide emergency teams with “Wherever there is a disaster or contamination of an emergencies in the future could also be explored.
area that makes human access difficult, the system
reliable communications networks could potentially be deployed.”
in disaster zones as part of a new
system being co-developed by
Kingston University experts.
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
10 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business communityHow are tenants responding
to the lockdown and adjusting
to the new normal?
The impact of the Covid-19
pandemic has cut deep for Roger Ford
real estate partner
many businesses.
We’re increasingly seeing tenants These have been used for some time
inserting a lockdown rent suspension in the retail and leisure sectors so
clause into their leases. This will they are tried and tested.
provide that the rent will either be
Although the lockdown Varying terms suspended (or at least reduced) in the The financial pressures tenants are
has been gradually lifted For some years there has been a event that Covid-19 prevents the tenant facing have increasingly seen them
growing trend to shorten the length of from trading at their premises. Some look to move away from a fixed
and most businesses commercial leases. The lockdown is clauses go even further, and apply base rent. Instead, many are trying
that had to close have speeding up this process. to any future pandemics; they do not to negotiate a reduced base rent
topped-up with a turnover rent (or in
now been allowed to just cover rent suspension, but also a
The age of the 15 to 20 year lease relaxation of any covenants in the lease some situations, no base rent and the
re-open, many are still term with upwards only rent reviews a tenant may not be able to comply rent entirely dependent on turnover).
hurting. Ongoing travel every five years seems to be over - with in such circumstance, such as
Turnover agreements are becoming
restrictions limiting the these are increasingly rare. complying with repairing obligations.
more common in the current market
flow of customers and Most tenants just won’t make such Landlords are understandably reluctant to allow the rent due under a lease to
reflect the success (or failure) of the
having a serious dent a long-term commitment. As a to agree to such clauses, especially
tenant you should be negotiating where the rent suspension will not tenant’s business.
on tourist numbers, for shorter lease terms, more flexible be covered by their insurance policy
and many workers still and frequent tenant break options, (which is rarely the case in the current
The downsides for landlords are the
uncertain rental income flow and
working from home are monthly rather than quarterly payment insurance market). It is therefore a the increased work in monitoring
dates and even upwards/downwards point for commercial negotiation
affecting sales. Sectors rent reviews. These are becoming the between the parties whether these
the tenant’s turnover and agreeing
the calculations. Somewhat
such as retail, leisure and standard requirement for tenants when clauses can be agreed.
encouragingly, we see many landlords
hospitality continue to negotiating terms for a new lease.
coming to terms with these requests
Turnover rents
face severe pressure. Lockdown clauses and looking at ways to help tenants
A more practical solution is the ride out this crisis, and keep properties
It seemed extremely tough on many introduction of turnover rents. A
Not surprisingly the result is that many tenanted and income producing.
tenants that they had to shut down their turnover lease is a lease where the
tenants are finding it difficult to pay the
businesses and cut off their income, rent payable is calculated either So the future for commercial tenants
rent. During the peak of the lockdown,
but continue to pay the rent. An initial wholly or partly on the actual may be still be very uncertain, but
tenants struggling with cashflow and
thought for many was whether there turnover achieved by the tenant’s there are options available to help
unable to pay their March and June
was anything in their leases providing business operated at the premises. ease the pain.
quarter rents were able to negotiate
for either a unilateral termination or
temporary deals with their landlords.
a rent suspension in such extreme
Rent suspensions, reductions and
deferrals were common as many circumstances. This was a question we
landlords made a pragmatic decision were asked by a number of clients, and
to help their tenants manage cashflow the answer was always no.
so they could keep trading.
As a tenant you generally have a very
These temporary concessions are weak argument to claim that your
increasingly rare, but as businesses lease has been frustrated as a result of
continue to face cashflow pressure, the lockdown. Rent suspension clauses
what can tenants do to help in virtually all leases apply only where For answers to health and safety queries about your employees’
themselves adjust to the “new norm”? there has been physical damage to return to work please contact the author Roger Ford
the premises. Leases just had not been
There is hope. We have seen a number
of options taken by our tenant clients
drafted to take into account the recent
crisis. The result was tenants left liable
+44 (0)20 8541 2030 or
when they negotiate new leases (or vary to pay rents for commercial premises email roger.ford@russell-cooke.co.uk
existing leases) in the current climate. they could not use.
The Royal Borough of
Kingston 11
Chamber of Commerceskills FOUNDATION DEGREES the route to a degree and improved career prospects at any time in life 12 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 For many potential students pondering the question in the evening, and in some cases on Saturday
College, or one of our sister Colleges, could “is it too late to gain a degree?” they will tentatively (perhaps on average 5 hours per week), students
be the answer to the question. Launched as a consider their up-skilling journey. Knowing where need to work independently for about 15-20 hours
new qualification in 2001 to give people the to start is the first challenge – full-time or part-time per week. Some of this can be completed in their
opportunity at different stages in life to gain higher- study; sponsored or self-funded; navigating Student workplace by applying what they have learned in
level qualifications. Foundation Degrees recognise Finance; and then of course choosing the right the classroom in a practical way. Students report
the value of vocationally relevant and driven work course and the right place to study. that being able to join in conversations at work, and
experience over traditional academic qualifications. with their seniors, by using appropriate terminology
Foundation Degrees are something of the hidden The Foundation Degree in Business, which is opens many doors. So, it is never too late!
gems in the higher education jewel box. Kingston College’s longest delivered Foundation
Degree, provides a cost effective opportunity The Foundation Degree in Business, and the other
Foundation degrees can help improve skills and better to improve educational qualifications whilst still Foundation Degrees in the table below, recognise
career prospects. They have many benefits whether working full-time in a very wide range of business past work experience (a minimum of 2 years is
a person is already working or looking for a job. A and employment settings. It is tough, of course to essential) as part of the entry qualification. Along
Foundation Degree may be suitable if a person: come into College after a long day at work but at with ongoing employment for the duration of the
Kingston and its sister Colleges, many more than a course (minimum 16 hours per week) they allow
• is working and wants to improve their skills and thousand students have shown that it is manageable, those with aspirations to take this potentially
prospects in a current job, through part-time fulfilling and even enjoyable. Business students tell life changing journey to help them add the
higher level study us that they feel inspired, unleashed, challenged and much needed qualification to their CV – and as
motivated. For our staff here at the College these importantly, give them the confidence to achieve.
• has left school and wants a higher education courses are very rewarding to teach on because you
qualification that’s relevant to their job see how life-changing this opportunity can be with Foundation Degree
aspirations growth in confidence, ability and career progression.
Some of the College’s own, and our partner Kingston Subject Business
• wants to reskill in a new occupation or College Kingston
University’s, non-teaching staff have also kick started
profession, or wishes to return to work after a
their careers with the study of the Foundation Degree
break Subject Early Years Education
in Business, which many have later “topped up” to
College Kingston, Carshalton and South
the BA (Hons) Business Management Practice with
• Foundation degrees are also taught in local Thames College
one further year of part-time study at the University.
colleges and can be studied full-time over two
years or on a part-time basis, offering students Subject Leadership and Management in Early
Many students join Foundation Degrees because of
with work or family commitments more Years (Sector Endorsed)
a personal recommendation from friends, relatives
flexibility. Studying closer to home or work also College Kingston
and work colleagues. Over the past ten years the
means reduced travel time and costs.
Foundation Degree in Business has seen sons,
Subject Education and Learning
Locally many employers, support and fund their daughters, aunts and uncles join the course as they
College Carshalton
employees to study part-time for a Foundation have realised the opportunity available to them.
Degree alongside work as part of their training Work colleagues who are line managers, mentors Other Foundation Degrees taught full time
and development. At Kingston College, the suite of or friends and peers to those with aspirations have at College and without a direct employer
Foundation Degrees in Early Years Education is a provided a pipeline of new and eager students. component
particular example of such a study opportunity pursued Having joined, students often cannot believe that
by many childcare and early education providers to there is not more demand from people just like Art and Design - Kingston
support their staff to achieve the sector-endorsed, and themselves searching for that later-in-life degree Fashion and Textiles - Kingston
required qualification, to provide career progression. opportunity. With formal face-to-face teaching time
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 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 13
Chamber of Commerceflexible working The future of flexible working? 14 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community
flexible working
Almost twenty years ago, Sandra Porter of HR Dept, says: “Over the longer
term there will be much wider adoption of remote
deadline. We meet in the office for team and client
meetings, for project work and on-the-job training
comedian, actor and working and a greater sense of flexibility regarding
where and when the work gets done. There are
where face-to-face collaboration is more effective.
Otherwise, there’s no obligation to work there.
writer Ricky Gervais rose many factors for business owners to consider.
Where can employees work effectively and meet
This blended approach requires a shift away from
the misguided view that people are only working if
to fame in the BBC’s hit the needs of the individual and the business? Does
there need to be options for increased flexibility
the employer can see them working. The benefits
are that employees who feel trusted deliver more
mockumentary sitcom, The of working hours and a greater focus on optimal
output rather than hours clocked?”
and less time spent commuting means they have
more time and energy to devote to their work and
Office. It followed the lives “How successfully businesses maximise these
personal lives.
of ordinary workers in a opportunities depends on many factors including
the perspective of the business owner, the trust they
“There are also benefits for employers. Without
the restrictions of needing to employ people who
branch of a large paper have in their team, the adoption of technology and
enhanced communication channels.”
can get to a specific location for a specific time,
there’s an opportunity to recruit from a far wider
company, Wernham Hogg, The key challenge for employers is to turn the new
talent pool. Office space is often a significant cost
to a business and employers are now considering
normal into a positive future for good work habits
in the Slough Trading Estate and a decent work/life balance for staff.
whether a permanent office is needed or whether
they can downsize or use flexible office space as
in Berkshire. and when they need it.”
Now, however, the viability of the physical office It’s clear that a new way of working will bring new
has been called into question by the coronavirus challenges – both operational and legal.
pandemic, which has seen thousands of workers
from across the borough work from the confines of Sandra says: “Working from home does not
their own home. free the employer from their health and safety
obligations. Helping employees to work efficiently
In truth, remote and flexible working had become from home requires an honest conversation
more common by the time COVID-19 hit UK about how the employee will be able to create
shores, with technology allowing more people an appropriate safe space – both physically and
to work from home or on the move. COVID-19 mentally – while working from home. The need for
has merely reinforced the message that, in many boundaries around working hours to prevent an
cases, it’s possible for people to carry out their “always on” culture needs to be communicated
day jobs remotely. explicitly to prevent bad habits or unfair
expectations. Encouragement of increased formal
However, this is not necessarily a good thing; and informal communication should be considered
several reports have highlighted workers’ increased to replace the chat in the kitchen or around the
anxiety and isolation due to being away from the water cooler, so that employees don’t become
office environment. Other studies have reported an disengaged or isolated when away from the office.
erosion in the divide between work and home life,
with some workers feeling unable to switch off from Nicolle adds: “Employers need to be careful not
Nicolle Anderson, business development director
work to enjoy time with their families. to lose the sense of belonging which is easy to
at Business Clan, says: “We need to look at the
reasons for asking people to work in an office cultivate if you work side-by-side all day, but can
So, what does the future of work/office life look easily be lost when your team is working from
like now? rather than from home. The circumstances for
getting the team together should be positive and home. Home workers need the same level of
purposeful. People would look forward to going into engagement and interaction with colleagues as they
the office for these reasons rather than it being a had in the office to safeguard the psychological
daily drudge. connection between worker and employer. This will
become increasingly important as team structures
“At Business Clan, even pre-COVID, our policy was evolve over time due to staff turnover and pre-
that you can work when and where you want to as existing social connections from office life are no
long as work is completed to high standards and to longer in place.”
The Royal Borough of
Kingston BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 15
Chamber of CommerceBUSINESSES PLAYING
THEIR PART IN
COMBATING
COVID-19
Over the past few months, businesses across Kingston have are now legally required to create, download and
display a poster containing a unique QR code on
worked incredibly hard to make themselves COVID-secure, their premises.
to protect their customers and staff. You can create your QR code at www.gov.uk/
create-coronavirus-qr-poster
We want to say thank you for all you have done. 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
Businesses and event holders will now be breaking
the law if they do not comply with the regulations
Thank you for your
Government has implemented new regulations and
guidance for businesses to reduce the spread of
and could face prosecution and a fine or a fixed
penalty notice of £1,000.
continuing support to
the virus.
NHS Test and Trace App keep Kingston safe.
Rule of Six Many businesses and venues are now legally
The Rule of Six limits the number of people who required to collect contact information from their
can meet together in and out of their homes, or in customers, visitors and staff for NHS Test and Trace.
hospitality settings, to six. The new law covers venues where people are
likely to congregate for more than 15 minutes at a
This may have implications for your business as distance of less than 2 metres - including hospitality
you will not be able to take bookings for groups of venues, close contact services, community centres
more than six people or allow groups of more than and libraries.
six to sit or mingle together.
Businesses and venues must ensure these details are
There are some exceptions to the rule, such as collected, stored securely and retained for 21 days.
where the household is larger than six people in
total or where it is a support bubble, but it will To support the collection of this data, the
not be possible to book events such as Christmas Government has launched the NHS Test and Trace
lunches for groups larger than six people. App. Businesses and venues in England and Wales
16 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business communitycover 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
Kingston BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business community 17
Chamber of Commercecover 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 much-
needed 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
18 BOROUGH BUSINESS - The voice of Kingston’s business communityYou can also read
