Navigating the Modern Workplace was the theme for the Future of Work Summit 2026. With essential skills, employment, leadership, funding and the rapid AI integration, the pressures on growing businesses have never been more complex or more urgent. 

The Summit brought together collaborations with a broad range of business leaders, including finance, marketing, HR, digital and professional services, and education from across South West London. The day provided diverse perspectives, insightful roundtable discussions, peer-to-peer mentoring and networking.

Take a look back at the day - scroll down to explore reflections from our CEO, attendee feedback and our photo gallery.

Want to dive deeper? Visit the the archived official website for the full agenda, speakers, offered opportunities and programme.

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With the Future of Work Summit 2026 all wrapped up, I have had some time to reflect on the day and many of the highlights the summit produced.

From the excellent Handelsbanken UK Economic Summary from Daniel Mahoney, to the truly informative and smoothly facilitated roundtables on the workforce, employment, essential skills and funding, to the honest and inspiring CEOs conversations, to the young students enthusiasm in our mini-Dragons Den segment and the University’s academic support in the peer-to-peer sessions, the Summit provided a tremendous amount of practical learning and insights.

What did I learn? From our members to all the panellists, Kingston has first class business leaders and willing contributors, driven to help grow our strengths and improve our weaknesses. Yes, there are areas of the day the Chamber can do better, and we will absorb these lessons to ensure we adapt to the attendee needs and time. In the Chamber team of Ilona Saliev and Robyn Shooter we are blessed to have their desire and energy to keep improving.

As Tracy Turtle generously wrote: ‘This was brilliantly done! There was great diversity of speakers and panellists, sharing their expertise in a day full of value for business owners. It was great to catch up and meet other KCC members and guests too, with lots of opportunity for networking in a really friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It really did exceed my expectations. Thank you!’

I would like to thank our headline sponsors, Kingston University and Kingston Council, Professor Sankar Sivarajah and Councillor Andrew Wooldridge in particular, for their backing of this important day, our Premier sponsor, HR Dept and our supportive sponsors 7DOTS, Bluprint, DoubleTree by Hilton, Evolve, Handelsbanken, IQinIT, Kingston College, MB Associates, and Pearson Hards Solicitors.

There are many behind the scenes who have contributed so much in spirit and generosity so thank you Martin Booth, Kat Bhat, Robyn Harper, Mark Attwater, Amanda Baker, Thomas Collins, Sean Gillen, Amanda McLoughlin and Mike Reed.

To our fantastic panellists and facilitators; take a bow! You made this event a success: Cameron King, Ed Gossage, Chris James, Tooba Shah, Susana Gonzalez, Mel Roberts, Nish Parekh, Robin Hutchinson, Roderick Cameron, Lucy Kebbell, Gbemi Shitta, Vikas Thakker, Tim Lloyd.

The workplace is always changing, for better but sometimes not, so be a part of the Chamber membership to help adapt with it, enjoy the community and continue to make Kingston one of the best places to work in south London.

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Credit: Robyn Harper, Robyn Harper Photography

Thank you once again for being part of FOW2026 Summit. We hope you left inspired, informed, and with new connections that will help your business grow. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year!

Contact Kingston Chamber:     T: 075 0713 4261     E: [email protected]