KUTLETS (Kingston Upon Thames Local Exchange Trading System) is a community-based barter system. KUTLETS members pool their skills and resources to form a local network, which allows them to trade goods and services without using money. Instead of using pounds and pence, KUTLETS has its own 'currency' called 'Beaks' (named after its old home at the Beacon Centre). KUTLETS was started in 1991 and is one of over 200 similar systems around the country.

Anyone can become a member of KUTLETS because we all have something to offer whether it is a skill such as decorating or chiropody, or a service such as shopping or giving people a lift. Local organisations such as schools and churches, and businesses can join as well as individuals. A list of all the goods and services offered by members is published in a Directory which is updated and distributed to members without internet access every three months, but it is always up to date on the internet. It covers cookery, gardening, hire of equipment, childcare, building and decorating and much more.

You earn Beaks by providing a service, and spend them on something you want from the Directory. For example, you may earn credit by gardening or cooking for someone, and spend it later on reflexology or carpentry offered by other KUTLETS members. In other words, you do not have to find a straight swap. Being a member of KUTLETS is a way of getting things done when you may not have the cash to pay for them, and of helping out other people. It is also a way of keeping in touch with your local community.

This website is the information centre for the KUTLETS system. There is an application form and information for the general reader, and a link where members can see details of the current notices, and request copies of documents to be emailed to them. Members have access to much more information via the members only pages.

Members can let the accounts dept know of beak transfers. If the paying party to a transaction sends an email with the transaction details then we will treat it as a cheque.

You can take a look at the public directory to see what sort of services are on offer before you join.

We are supported by a grant from the Royal Borough of Kingston which pays for our office space and general running expenses, for which we are very grateful.

Information in Arabic as a pdf

Information in Arabic as a web page