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May 2026

Mon

18

Lunch & Rethink | Essential skills that AI can’t replace

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Online

In this new, exciting programme of online, bite-size webinars, we will explore the importance of essential skills in our personal behaviour and business life, areas that AI can’t replace.

Essential skills in business are the personal, social, and communication abilities that influence how we work, interact, and succeed with others – rather than just the technical tasks we can perform. They determine how effectively we connect with colleagues or customers, how we handle complex workplace situations and how they can help us succeed and grow.

These sessions are designed to help you:

  • strengthen communication and listening skills
  • improve self-awareness and emotional intelligence
  • work more effectively with others
  • respond constructively to change and pressure
  • build confidence in leadership and decision-making

Key examples of business essential skills include:

  • Communication – clear speaking, writing, and active listening
  • Emotional intelligence – self-awareness, empathy, managing emotions
  • Teamwork & collaboration – working well with diverse people
  • Adaptability – handling change, learning quickly
  • Problem-solving & critical thinking – analysing situations and making sound decisions
  • Time management – prioritising tasks and meeting deadlines
  • Leadership & influence – motivating, guiding, and resolving conflict

Why do essential skills matter in business?

  • They improve productivity and teamwork
  • They support effective leadership and customer relations
  • They are often a key factor in career advancement
  • They are critical for business success and growth

 

March Webinar

How to Build a Learning Habit

Consistent learning isn’t about grand gestures; it’s built through small, repeatable actions. This Lunch and ReThink session explores the psychology behind habit formation, helping participants develop the mindset needed to make learning stick in practice – not just in theory.

To lead this session we are delighted to be joined by Dr Winnifred Groves (PhD, MSc, MA, RGN, SFHEA, CMBE), Senior Lecturer in People Science at Kingston University, who will share practical insight drawn from her extensive expertise.

Winnie is a Senior Lecturer in People Science and Director of BSc (Hons) Business Management programme in the Department of Management, Kingston Business School, Kingston University, London. Through a mix of academic and administrative roles, Winnie focuses on results, oriented with a strong ability to learn and adapt to new environments with a view to attaining set objectives.

 

Register your interest today to rethink, hear advice from the experts, and strengthen your essential skills.

 

This session will be recorded and made available exclusively to Chamber members. Want to learn more about membership? Find out more here.

*Registered attendees will receive a meeting link prior to the event.

 

Events & Attendance FAQs

Event details - including speakers, timings and booking options - can vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the individual event page you’re interested in.

Our calendar includes business breakfasts, networking lunches, workshops and larger flagship events - each developed to help you meet local professionals and grow your business connections.

See all upcoming events here 

All bookings can be made online through the event listing (either directly via the website or the Eventbrite page), where you’ll find full details, including ticket types and payment options.

If you ever run into an issue, just get in touch with the Chamber team - we’re happy to help.

Yes, we periodically host free or member-exclusive events offered at a reduced rate.
Each event page clearly shows whether it’s open to guests or members only.

Yes, many guests attend before deciding to join, and we welcome any business or organisation with an interest in the Kingston area and its network.

Most of our events are open to both members and non-members, though a few are member-exclusive. Non-member tickets are always available where applicable, so you can experience Chamber offerings first-hand.

Members simply enjoy extra value - saving around 33% on each event (often up to £12 per ticket) - plus exclusive invitations and promotional benefits.

Find out more about membership here.

Kingston Chamber events are designed with our community in mind. Expect thoughtful conversations, a diverse mix of attendees and plenty of opportunities to connect, collaborate and grow.

  1. Our events bring together professionals from across the borough and beyond (mainly South West London and Surrey), from freelancers to senior leaders. If you’re new to networking or the local area, our Chamber team is always on hand to make introductions and help you feel at ease.
  2. To help you make the most of the experience, we share a preview attendee list the day before the event, and a full contact list (including names, company names and email addresses of those who have opted in) after the event, in line with GDPR. Most events include name badges to make networking easier on the day, and the connections don’t stop when the event ends - following up is simple.
  3. Bookings are managed via Eventbrite, where event registration typically closes at 12:00pm on the working day before the event or once capacity is reached. Attendee details are pulled directly from Eventbrite, so please ensure your profile information is accurate and free from errors.

You can email the Kingston Chamber team here.

We’re always happy to help with booking queries, dietary needs, accessibility questions or general event information.

You can browse what’s coming up on our events calendar or sign up to our monthly newsletter for event updates, local news and member stories straight to your inbox.

Join our mailing list now.

We understand plans change. If you can’t attend, please cancel your booing via Eventbrite portal at least two working days before the event to receive a refund. As venues and catering numbers must be confirmed and paid in advance, we may be unable to offer refunds for late cancellations.

Refund terms may vary slightly between events, so please check the event page for specific details

Final Note

Information above is correct at time of publication. For the most current details, please visit the individual event page.

FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about events, questions about events, questions about events questions about events, questions about events.

Places are limited, and events are usually oversubscribed. Please give two working days’ notice via email for a refund or you’ll be required to pay for your place in full.

If you have never been a member of the Chamber you can book and join as a guest at two of our events (just one Chamber Breakfast). After this, you will need to join the Chamber to enjoy the benefits of membership. If you'd like to join the Chamber you can find out more on our website.

Yes. We have a number of active members who are based outside the borough.

Membership is based on a business, but any individual can attend from that organisation. In fact, we encourage different individuals to attend so they can be familiar with the Chamber activities.

To receive news about the Chamber and our events, please sign up to join our mailing list.

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Kingston Chamber of Commerce
Guildhall
High Street
Kingston Upon Thames
KT1 1EU

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