*This post was last updated 16 April 2020.
In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic Winchester BID are making some changes to our events programme.
We have reviewed our events programme between 18 March and 30 June and will review events scheduled beyond these dates in due course and we will keep this page updated. At all times we will follow the advice and guidance issued by the Government. Although the pandemic is affecting our events programme and ways of working, we will be postponing events rather than cancelling them where possible and other Winchester BID projects and services will continue.
The outbreak has undoubtedly already impacted many businesses and their staff and in order to help ensure BID members are fully informed, we have created a useful page to link you to the advice and guidance you may need for your business.
Sustainable Business Network Events
We are a member of the Sustainable Business Network Steering Committee and help to organise regular events throughout the year. For updates on scheduled Sustainable Business Network events and webinars, please visit: hampshireiowsustainablebusiness.co.uk/events
Dementia Friendly Awareness Sessions for Businesses
We are a Dementia Friendly Organisation. The Carer Support and Dementia Advice Service is still available to contact by phone and email. However, for updates on scheduled Dementia Friendly Awareness Sessions for Businesses, provided by Dementia Friendly Winchester, please visit: dementiafriendlyhampshire.org.uk/winchester
Winchester Independents Markets
The markets were originally planned for 22 March, 24 May and 23 August but have sadly needed to be postponed until further notice. To find out more about these markets which aim to showcase BID member independent businesses, please contact: katie.mattingly@winchesterbid.co.uk
Retail Therapy Workshop (originally scheduled 18 March – new date to be confirmed)
A motivational and confidence boosting workshop led by local retail businesses for local retail businesses which was due to take place on 18 March, 2pm to 4pm at The Nutshell. This event has been postponed and a new date will be announced. When the event takes place we will create a podcast so we can share the content with a wider audience. For more information, please visit: incuhive.co.uk/acceleration-investment/upcoming-events/join/163-retail-therapy. This event was being organised by Winchester BID, Winchester City Council and IncuHive who are offering free business support, one to one video mentoring and online workshops: incuhive.co.uk/index.php/covid19
Winchester BID AGM (originally scheduled for 1 April – new date 1 July)
The Winchester BID Annual General Meeting (AGM) was due to take place on 1 April, 5pm to 7pm at Guildhall Winchester and this has been postponed until 1 July at 10am and will be hosted as an online event. For more information and to book your place: enquiries@winchesterbid.co.uk
Easter Bunny Hop Trail (originally scheduled 4 to 19 April)
The Easter Bunny Hop is a fun Easter-themed trail around Winchester which was due to take place this year from 4 to 19 April. It is with regret that we will no longer be able to deliver this activity during Easter, however we hope to be able to organise a Halloween-themed trail in October to encourage people to explore the city centre and its shops, cafes, restaurants and other businesses when it is safe to do so. If your business would like to be part of the trail, please contact: thania.miah@winchesterbid.co.uk
Winchester Fashion Week (originally scheduled 20 to 24 April – new dates 19 to 24 April 2021)
This exciting celebration of style across the city was due to bring together more than 100 local businesses and organisations to present over 65 events. It is with great sadness that we will now need to postpone these events until April 2021. Our team is working with participating businesses and organisations to ensure we can use the extra time to plan an even bigger and better celebration of fashionable and stylish businesses in Winchester. For more information, please contact: sarah.davis@winchesterbid.co.uk
Winchester Business Excellence Awards Ceremony (originally scheduled 4 June – new provisional date 10 October)
The awards ceremony was due to be held on 4 June, 7pm to 11pm at the University of Winchester. The awards ceremony has now been postponed with a new provisional date of 10 October. The closing date for nominations has been extended to 31 July. For more information, please visit: winchesterbusinessawards.co.uk
