Working together… Meet the MD…Page 7 • Networking News…Page 10

EurekaThe Business Magazine for the Kingston area

SUMMER 2013

June 20 Kingston Chamber Networking Breakfast

and Kingston Chamber Business Expo atKingston University Business School 8am-3pm

22-30 Kingston Connections: Our Story Begins…at The Rose Theatre

28 Kingston College Open Day30 The Big Sing, The Rose Theatre

July 4 Kingston Chamber Networking Breakfast

at The Rose Theatre 8-9.30am6-28 IYAF (International Youth Arts Festival)9-14 Hampton Court Flower Show11 Kingston Chamber President’s Networking

Evening at the Minima Yacht Club 6-8.30pm13-14 Kingston Regatta and River Festival21 Hampton Court to Kingston River Swim21 Kingston Rotary Dragon Boat Challenge25-29 Every Thursday Thumbs Up It’s Thursday – Aug Kids’ Activities in the town centre

August 4 Prudential RideLondon Classic

– Cycling event5-11 Kingston Food Festival8 Kingston Chamber Networking Breakfast

at The French Tarte 8-9.30am31 Minima Yacht Club Regatta weekend

September1 Kingston Carnival1 Minima Yacht Club Regatta12 Kingston Chamber Networking Breakfast

(venue TBA)5-22 Bentalls My Baby & Me Event5 Bentalls Home Event starts 12-15 Heritage Open House Weekend 24 Kingston Chamber Retail Evening

at Bentalls, Kingston

To book a Chamber event visit www.kingstonchamber.co.uk/eventsFor an up-to-date list of events in Kingston visitwww.kingstonfirst.co.uk

2

Dates for yourDiary

Prudential RideLondon will take place on

4 AugustThere will be road closures in Kingston on the day

Visit www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk for more information.

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Come and see us at Kingston Business Expo

‘Meet the Geeks’ Bentalls held a technology event for Kingston Chambermembers on 16 April. Experts from the TV and Audiodepartments presented the latest must-have gadgetsincluding headphones, digital cameras, smart TVs, laptopsand tablets. Curtis from Headphones gave an inspiringtalk about the best way to listen to your music.

Mark from Photography taught his audience aboutshutter speeds and apertures and how to make the mostof the varied settings ona camera. Jacob fromLaptops explained thedifference betweentablets and laptops andhow to make good useof different devices forbusy lives.

Finally Mike, themanager from TV andAudio, gave a specialpresentation about thelatest smart TVs. Guestsenjoyed food andbeverages courtesy ofBentalls Centre Viewrestaurant.www.bentalls.co.uk

Membership: Jerry Irving • Finance, Events and Administration: Wanda McFarlane • Membership and Events: Amanda Mellett

Editorial, Advertising, Design and Production: The Creative People www.thecreativepeople.co.uk

Event Photographs: Keith Hern www.keithhern.com and Karen Powell www.thecreativepeople.co.uk

The 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 F 020 8541 4445 E marketing@kingstonchamber.co.uk W kingstonchamber.co.uk

Eureka is compiled with the utmost care, however, the publisher accepts no responsibility for any errors or omissions.

3

After what has seemed like an interminableWinter it is almost with some relief that I amwelcoming you all to the Summer publicationof Eureka. Thankfully the weather finallyseems to have caught up with the calendar!Hopefully, you will have received your editionjust in time to remind you to visit theKingston Business Expo 2013. With nearly 40 stands, 4 premier business seminars,speed networking and food and refreshments it really is an event not to be missed.

Preparations for our other major event of this year, the KingstonBusiness Excellence Awards, are now well under way and weare looking forward to a great competition culminating in afabulous Awards Ceremony in October. Apart from the potentialto win a prize, the event really is a great way to showcase andbenchmark your business and so, if you haven’t already enteredfor at least one category you have until 28 June to do so.

The Chamber is now offering up to 40 networkingopportunities over the course of the year and organising these,in addition to managing all our other activities, has reallystretched our resources over recent months. It is, therefore, with great pleasure that I am able to announce the addition ofAmanda Mellett as a new part time member of our team.Amanda has a great events background and also runs her ownbusiness and so will be a real asset in helping us to develop ourmembership and events plans.

I hope you all have a prosperous and enjoyable Summer and I look forward to seeing you at one, or more, of the greatevents we have planned over the next couple of months.

Contents‘Meet the Geeks’ 2

From our President 4

Getting off to a good start – The Chamber AGM 5

Hassle-free Holiday 6

Meet the MD - Steven Zockoll 7

Fit for Work 8

‘The Edge’ Business Competition – the results 9

Networking News 10

Business Resources 11

Business Excellence Awards 12

FromtheCEO+++

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

New members+++ContactAlison BlakeEd FisherPaul GiltnameMark AttwaterAnn O’Neill Amanda BallsSusan Lowe Ilona GoldstonePaul GeogheganCathy Maker

Activity/BusinessMarketing ConsultancyInvestor: Student AccommodationBankPrinters and PublishersHR support for SMEsBusiness SupportPublic HouseChartered SecretariesPrivate Medical HealthPan Disability Charity

CompanyAdd Agency LtdAMRO Real Estate Partners LtdBarclays Bank plcDirect Colour LtdGrassroots HRIxion Holdings LtdThe Kingston Gate M&N Group LimitedPrivate Medical Associates LtdRUILS

Front Cover Clockwise: Kingston Business Excellence Awards launchevening at Warren House; Kingston University Business School – venue forKingston Business Expo 2013; Vanessa Francis at Bentalls Retail Evening; Zac Goldsmith MP, Elaine Miller – Fundraising Manager for Love Kingstonand Edward Davey MP; Kingston Chamber Board of Directors at the AGM; Bill Vickery at Gordon Bennetts Chamber Breakfast © Keith Hern.

Love Kingston are delighted that the KingstonChamber of Commerce has named us as itschosen charity for 2013/14. Love Kingston takecommunity fundraising to another level –working in partnership with local resident groups,and businesses in Kingston upon Thames.

We support five local projects working on ‘pathways out ofpoverty’ – Hestia, Oxygen, Kingston Foodbank, KingstonSavers and KCAH and are also building the Kingston LegacyFund. All donations made to Love Kingston will be sharedequally between the local projects and the fund. There aremany ways to engage with Love Kingston, including RegularGiving (a monthly donation), become a Founding Donor, orset up your own Personal Legacy Fund.

Please get in touch with Elaine Miller for more information on 07834 362120 elaine@londoncf.org.uk

107xx Eureka March 2013sample_Layout 1 12/06/2013 10:22 Page 3

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.

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4

I am very proud to be President of Kingston Chamber ofCommerce – one of the most dynamic and proactivechambers in London and Surrey.

The role of the chamber is evolving with changes inbusiness structures, and the new challenging economicnorm that has developed over the past few years. It hasbeen difficult for business proprietors and managers toremain confident – but confidence is essential for success.We can perhaps all find cheer in the words of Sir MervynKing that ‘there are good reasons to suppose that a gentlerecovery is underway’.

A strong chamber such as Kingston is a link betweendeveloping businesses and resources, sign posting toservice in the area. Exchange of information, andconnections made through networking are two of themany ways that a successful chamber can supportbusinesses, and together create a confident businesscommunity. I would point in particular on the growingsupport for the Women in Business events – which have a unique and distinct role within the chamber, and aregreatly enjoyed and valued by those of us who participate.

For all enterprises membership of the chamber connectstheir business to greater opportunities, by benefitting fromlobbying support, raising profile and networking. ChamberBoard sub groups have undertaken some excellent andinnovative work towards fulfilling the chamber businessplan; in particular the membership group’s work on the new

membership pack and formulating a member to member benefitscheme.

The talk by the Agent for the Bank of England at our recentbreakfast, and the lively debate itprovoked illustrates scope for regularworkshops and surveys amongst our membership.

Charity is an important aspect of corporate responsibility,and for us as a chamber our role in the wider localcommunity. As President this year I am delighted topropose that we support Love Kingston as our nominatedcharity. Love Kingston's new campaign supports five localprojects committed to 'pathways out of poverty’ byreaching communities in need. I look forward to workingin co-operation with Elaine Miller and her colleagues atLove Kingston.

There are many exciting chamber keynote events to look forward to this year including a Business Expo andbreakfast on 20 June and the inaugural Kingston BusinessExcellence Awards culminating in a gala awards dinner on 24 October. My firm, TWM Solicitors, are delighted to be a category sponsor and hope that there will be activeinvolvement as entrants from all business sectors.

Sarah Cornes, TWM SolicitorsEmail: Sarah.cornes@TWMSolicitors.com

From our President

At the Chamber’s recent Annual General Meeting I was delighted to report a very successful year for theChamber with a number of notable highlights to theevents and activities we undertook throughout thecourse of the last 12 months.

The first was the Olympic Torch River Cruise in July when 148 members and guests, from both Kingston and MertonChambers of Commerce, enjoyed brunch and champagneaboard Turk’s Launchs’ Southern Belle as part of the torchprocession from Hampton Court to the Olympic Stadium.

In April 2012 we launched Our New Start Programme. Aninitiative with Jobcentre Plus, where our aim was to supportunemployed individuals from across South London who werelooking to start a new business. The programme wasdesigned by the Chamber and delivered the following results:l 174 individuals registered for the programmel 40 workshops were delivered over 12 monthsl In terms of outcomes – 42 new businesses were created

and 26 other individuals became re-employed.

Due largely to the success of the programme, we have beensuccessful in tendering for its renewal in 2013/2014.

When I came to office last year, I was keen to improve ourrelationships with our key strategic partners. I felt it wascrucially important that we all understand each other andhow we can work together to plan, develop and deliver a cohesive strategy that supports our businesses and ourcommunities. A great example of how working together can produce brilliant results was demonstrated by the Go Kingston partnership work on the preparations for theOlympic events coming to town. I believe we have madesome great progress towards this and we are now in a betterposition to engage at both a sub-region and region level toprotect and develop our borough objectives.

Other highlights of last year, worthy of note are:l An overall growth in membership numbersl Membership retention improved following the

introduction of the ‘Buddy’ initiativel Increased attendances at events.

And finally, the improvement in our performance across thebusiness meant that we were able to report a much improvedfinancial position at the year end. My thanks andcongratulations to everybody involved!

The year resulted in a number of changes in the governanceof the Chamber: l Ian Noble and Paul Fella resigned as Directors and

I would like to thank them both for their contributions. In particular, Paul, who has given considerable supportand commitment to the Chamber over many years.

l Paul will be replaced by Karen Powell of The CreativePeople who we warmly welcome.

l I would also like to thank Neil Latham, who will nowstand down from the Executive Board, for his muchvalued advice and guidance to me in my first year.

l Additions to the Executive Board this year are Robert O’Dowd and Sarah Bilby.

l Bruce Burrowes is our new Vice President for this yearand Bruce will also continue to act as Finance Director.My thanks to Bruce for his assistance with the FinanceManagement.

And finally, I am delighted to announce Sarah Cornes as our New President and my special thanks to her for standing infollowing Ian Noble’s early resignation at the end of last year.

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

Getting off to a good start!

5

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Three basic factors determine how well we do in life and in business: l The quality of our new ideasl How well we exploit new opportunities l How well we deal with external threat.

Success depends on finding the right spot between all three.Research shows that long lasting business success dependson purposeful adaptation and regular re-invention. We achieve this by using our Adaptive Intelligence (AI).

We all have loads of AI, butfrustratingly the battles of life tend to ‘turn down the volume knob’. At AIC we can turn the volume up with new insight and a programme of transformation tailor-made forindividuals, teams and companies whoneed to leverage more of their AI. Our clients learn to take a firm grip onthe levers of change and createpurposeful long lasting achievement.

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Hassle-free HolidayWhile enjoying the recent Chamber Networking Breakfast atThe Canbury Arms, I had the good fortune of speaking withJerry Irving, CEO of KCOC, who praised Ian Roberts from

Travel Counsellors for organising theperfect holiday for him and his wifeto go to Norway and Sweden.With my pending family holiday toorganise I took note of Ian’scontact details.

As a family we decided onCyprus as a destination, so I thought it would be nice tochat to Ian about taking care ofmy holiday plans. From themoment I put the phone downIan took care of everythingfrom organizing the hotel,flights, airport transfers andeven the latest informationaround the unrest inCyprus surrounding thebanking crisis at the time.

This put our minds at rest.

We had a fantastic family holiday staying at the Coral BeachHotel near Paphos. With it’s golden sandy beaches, andpanoramic sea views, this is a lovely place – a great familydestination. Our two boys had such a great time in theswimming pools and enjoyed the kids entertainment. Theweather was hot and sunny and the people warm andfriendly. Thanks again to Ian and his team at TravelCounsellors in helping to put this memorable family holiday together.

Howard Connolly Managing Director, Kew LightingEmail: h.connolly@kewlighting.com

Turning your dreams into reality

IAN ROBERTSTRAVEL COUNSELLOR

T 0845 058 7348E ian.roberts@travelcounsellors.comW www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/ian.roberts

TRAVEL COUNSELLORS LTDRoyal Borough of

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Winner Guardian & Observer Awards

7

1 Tell us about the Zockoll Group and your role as MDThe Zockoll Group has a tradition of bringing leadinginnovative brands to market. Today, as before, Zockoll hastwo sides to its business;

1. The development of new ideas and brand mechanisms to bring to market either as one of our own subsidiaries or as a license to third parties.

2. Act as consultant to those companies looking to start as a franchisor or improve their existing franchise systems.

My father, Jim Zockoll, introduced electro-mechanical draincleaning to the UK in the form of Dyno-Rod. Through thisbrand, he gave the UK its first service franchise in the early1960s.

The team and I bring fifty years of business and franchiseexperience to the table. My role as Managing Director is tooversee the running of the group with an emphasis on themarketing side of the business.

2 How do you promote the business services toKingston and the surrounding areas?We tend to promote Zockoll nationally to companieslooking to franchise across the UK.

However, when it comes the brands, such as: Weirdos and 0800 Handyman, we promote in the local area through leaflet drops,magazine and newsletter advertisingand PR. Our vehicles also providegreat local advertising – our Weirdos vehicles are brightpurple and green to reflect the quirky brand, and the 0800 Handyman vehicles use our tool top device torepresent the relevant trades.

3 Why did you join the Kingston Chamber, and howdoes it helps you?The Kingston Chamber of Commerce is thriving, and givenwe operate a number of growing businesses in the area, itmade complete sense for us to become part of it.

We are already starting to benefit from the localnetworking events, and meeting other local businesses.

4 What are the future plans for the business?We have a great many more ideas in our portfolio yet todevelop, as well as nurturing those brands we currentlyhave out there.

Steven ZockollManaging Director of the Zockoll Group - www.zockoll.com

Meet the MD – Steven Zockoll

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NEW BUSINESS FOR FREE!Did the headline catch your eye? Are you thinking ‘what’s the catch?’We’re all more suspicious about what we read. ‘FREE’ is oftenused with an asterisk as many offers have restrictions before thereader can receive something for nothing.There are many ways that YOU can generate new business forfree. It’s all about being visible and using clear messages. If youcannot be seen, your customers will purchase elsewhere. Here are some free tips or Marketing Rules:1. Web site Is yours saying exactly what you want?

Is your product or service clearly presented?2. Contact How do customers or prospects contact you?

Is your telephone or email prominently displayed?3. Your point of difference Why should people buy

from you? What makes you special? Is that clear in your messaging?

4. Service Few businesses are unique. The only difference is service. Are you loving your customers to death?

5. Marketing You don’t have to spend much to be seen. Every message should push response to your phone or web site.

Free or low cost marketing includes:l Email broadcasts Regularly to your customers and prospects.l Twitter Sign up and tweet on topical or relevant matters.l Press releases Write to local media or Chamber with

your news and offers.l Networking Talk to people. Prepare a 30 second pitch,

clearly describing what you offer.And guess what, the first meeting is FREE for ChamberMembers! Call 07860 500083 stephen@marketingrules.co.uk

From boots to Louboutin!Working late, eating on-the-go, smoking 20 a day... andextra 10 on Friday evenings when I had my end of weekwind-down drink(s)…. started to lose its appeal when Inoticed that I was getting more stressed, exhausted, BIGGERand my face started to age far too fast for my liking! So, I embarked on the usual weight watchers regime and visitto the gym when I could fit it in - sneaking in a few glasses ofwine and Kit Kats for breakfast (which don’t count on WWpoints, if you shut your eyes when consuming!). I started tofeel a bit better, but knew I needed something a bit morefocussed and serious if things were going to change.

I had heard of ‘Fitness Boot Camps’ and thought that I wouldneed to be ultra fit to go on one. I was persuaded by mydaughter to go on one in March. I can honestly say that Ithought I was going to die! Awake at 6am, working out by7am without a caffeine fix, cigarette or Kit Kat beforehand.Well, I am sure you can imagine, it didn’t take long to bringme to my knees. (Apparently, it is called hitting your wall!) I was so pleased with myself when I made it through a wholeweek and saw that with the set meals, calorie intake andexercise regime I had lost 8 Ilbs in a week! Due to the factthat I could not breath for most of the week, I also didn’tsmoke at all. This spurred me on to some serious changes.Visiting the gym at least four times a week, going for a longwalk on Sunday afternoons, watching what I consume meantthat I lost a further half a stone during the following threeweeks.

Now hooked on the fitness regime, I went to mysecond Boot Campin May. I must saythis one was muchmore for those ofus who are on thecheeky side of 40and may want our

creature comforts! I went with‘New You Boot Camp’, who run camps in Spain andother exciting places. The Spanish one is fab and gives youthe flexibility to opt out of some or all the exercise and justdetox on a healthy diet. Although when you are there, it ishard not to participate in the exercise, which is great fun andcaters for all fitness levels.

Giving up smoking has been the biggest hurdle and I amtrying to save the money I would have spent on thecigarettes, although it seems to be going on Boot Camps atthe moment. My biggest treat for the hard work is going tobe a pair of Louboutin shoes.. still a way to go though until I hit that target! My next challenge is to support KingstonChamber of Commerce in the Dragon Boat race on 21 July.Something that I never thought I would do this time last year.I hope to see you there cheering us on!

Sharon Greenaway, Commercial Director Kingston and Carshalton CollegesEmail: Sharon.Greenaway@kingston-college.ac.uk

8

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‘The Edge’ competition was launched across Carshaltonand Kingston Colleges in September 2012 with the aimto inspire young people to consider starting their ownbusiness and improve their employment prospects.

On 20 May 2013, the six teams taking part in thecompetition presented their business plan to a judging panelmade up of nine flagship employers including British Airways,Merlin Entertainment, Sainsbury’s, Sutton HousingAssociation, Successful Sutton, London Borough of Sutton,HSBC and Ignite Strategies.

Each of the teams displayed a variety of business conceptsand different approaches to starting their business. The teamspresented professional and sound business plans to thejudges during the course of the afternoon.

Neel Bidessie from Carshalton College said, “All the teamshave displayed a professional attitude and transformededucational concepts into sustainable business ideas andplans. We have been very impressed with not only thebusiness concepts, but the efforts and determination that hasgone into making these businesses get off the ground. Allthe employer judges commented on how impressed theywere with the high standard of the entries”.

Following the team presentations the results were announcedat the awards ceremony. The results were as follows:

l Best Presentation – Greenforce l Best Product – DHL Hosting l Best Team Participation – IT Works l Overcoming Challenges – Brunettes l Creative Sales and Marketing – T4F l Outstanding Individual Winner – Capella l Overall Team – Greenforce

All team members were awarded Chessington World ofAdventure tickets and the Overall Team winner, Greenforcereceived an iPad Mini.

In addition market stalls will be offered by the LondonBorough of Sutton to Greenforce and T4F to assist with thesales of their business. Sainsbury’s have also provided anopportunity for T4F to receive work experience at their mediadepartment for the Quarter 1 trading update.

“In this economic climate it is increasingly important to equipand prepare students for the world of work and help themfind a competitive edge. The Edge competition, runningacross the two Colleges, provides a fantastic platform forstudents to obtain invaluable experience of creating andimplementing sustainable business concepts. Ignite Strategiesare delighted to be supporting Kingston and CarshaltonColleges Enterprise Schemes by providing business planningguidance and advice in Sales and Marketing strategies tostudents to help support their activities”.

Richard Strom, Managing Director, Ignite Strategies

“It has been great to work with the students in providingthem with specialist business planning, advice and guidanceand I look forward to continuing the journey with the teamsto ensure that their business ideas can be further developedinto the world of work”.

Robert Noad, Business Specialist, HSBC

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Education andtraining+++

‘The Edge’ Enterprising BusinessCompetition – the results

10

Networking news+++

53 Fife Road Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 1SFOpen 7 Days T 020 8546 1724 W montyskingston.co.uk

15% Discount for Chamber Members On presentation of this advertisement

MONTY’SAUTHENTIC AND MODERN

NEPALESE AND INDIAN CUISINE

Gordon Bennett BreakfastGordon Bennett’s Bar and Kitchen is one of Surbiton’sfavourite social venues and so it is always a pleasure to bewelcomed to breakfast by Richard Sealtiel and his team. Thebar was packed with members and their guests who hadcome, not only for the excellent breakfast menu but also forthe opportunity to hear from our guest speaker, Simon Caunt,from the Bank of England. Simon gave a comprehensivepresentation about the Bank’s thoughts on future growth inthe economy before taking questions from the floor.

The day was also special for our chosen charity, Street ChildAfrica as it was International Day for Street Children. To markthe occasion, members were asked to bring their Teddy Bearsto breakfast as guests and a raffle was held for a number ofprizes, including a House of Commons Teddy donated by Rt Hon Ed Davey MP.

Boaters Inn BreakfastOur May breakfast event brought us back to The Boaters Inn, one of our favourite riversidevenues. More than 30 members and guests joined usto enjoy an excellent cooked breakfast and with theweather finally warming up, there was a goodnetworking ‘buzz’ around the room. Our guestspeaker for this event was RobinHutchinson of Creative Youth, one of Kingston’s great vibrantcharities. Robin gave us aninteresting and very amusinginsight into the organisation andalso introduced the InternationalYouth Arts Festival for this year.

Superb Supper EveningIf you are not an early bird and can't make the ChamberNetworking Breakfasts, then try our Chamber SupperEvenings. The last one was held at Monty's in Fife Road,Kingston. Kishor and his staff made us most welcome andwe were treated to a sumptuous meal of authenticNepalese cuisine. The evening was sponsored by Forbes Design and after we had all eaten as much as we could, the evening was rounded off with a short and

enlightening talk on the importanceof strong branding by Forbes Low.www.forbesdesign.co.uk

11

Business Resources

Navigate your way to success

Contact Jeremy Webb on

07894 128876www.SatNav4Business.com

If you are looking to start up a new business, or need to find someone to help you with yourexisting one, then here is a cross section of Chamber Members that may be able to help you:

For a bespoke and flexible PA service on an hourly, retainer or package basis, contact

Caroline on 07947 35099

Quote Expo2013 for 20% off your package rate for the first 3 months

Helping to build the blocks of your business

info@fallowsandcompany.co.uk 020 8399 4715

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

SuperPrintAmazingPrices

increasing your business successBanner Stands Graphics & PrintingExhibition Design Literature StandsBusiness Signage Event Branding

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A full Kingston Chamber Members Directory can be found on our website kingstonchamber.co.uk (only Kingston Chamber members can accesss this directory)

Graphic Design for Print and Web

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Free pension consultationfor all members ofKingston Chamber of Commerce

4 St Johns Mews, 13 St Johns Road, Hampton Wick, KT1 4ANT 020 8943 4343 E enquiries@aimifa.com W www.aimifa.com

12

WINNERS WANTED

REGISTER NOW!

Register now: www.kingstonawards.co.uk020 8726 7968 | info@kingstonawards.co.uk | @kingstonawards

The 2013 Kingston Business Excellence Awards is operated by Make Business Happen CIC on behalf of Kingston Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Kingston First and the Royal Borough of

Kingston upon Thames. Make Business Happen, 2013 – All rights reserved E&EO

28TH JUNE

REGISTER

NOW ONLIN

EEntry

Deadline

Entrepreneurs across Kingston have been urged to showcasetheir success stories at the launch of the 2013 KingstonBusiness Excellence Awards.

Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Kingstonfirst and KingstonCouncil joined together at Warren House on Thursday, 9 May,to officially kick-start the awards, which are designed torecognise innovation in enterprise which is the lifeblood ofthe borough.

The strategic partnership between the three organisations iskey to ensuring the future prosperity of the Royal Borough andthe partners are encouraging all businesses in the area to takepart in the new awards – which are FREE to enter.

Jerry Irving, chief executive of Kingston Chamber of Commerce,said: “The aim is to inspire you all to get involved with theKingston Business Excellence Awards 2013.”

“The awards are a fantastic way to celebrate the borough’sbusiness success stories and Kingston Chamber is delighted tobe working with in partnership with Kingstonfirst and KingstonCouncil to organise them, thereby celebrating theentrepreneurial spirit so clearly displayed in Kingston.”

The launch marked the first official engagement for the newMayor of Kingston, Councillor Penny Shelton, who believes thenew awards will highlight the best that the borough has to offer.“Kingston is rich in entrepreneurial spirit and is wellpositioned to thrive,” said Councillor Shelton.

“The awards will celebrate and reward the many innovativeand dynamic businesses in the borough.”

Andrew Sherville, business community lead officer forKingston Council, added: “These awards won’t just celebratethe business excellence and success our companies areachieving, but will also act as an integral part of a widerprogramme of highlighting business success, gaining peeraccolades, identifying business needs and providing supportthrough workshops and shared knowledge.”

The awards will be open to all businesses large and small,new and existing – with 12 categories to enter, there issomething for everyone. Kingston Business Excellence Awardsare free to enter and the closing date for entries is 28 June,2013. A gala awards and presentation evening will take placeat the Holiday Inn Kingston South on 24 October.

For more details visit www.kingstonawards.co.uk

CELEBRATE KINGSTON’S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT