New grant support for local businesses to help them adapt due to Covid-19 WINCHESTER civic chiefs have launched a new grant scheme to help businesses and organisations adapt, transform, and diversify their operations due to Covid-19. The Transformation, Adaptations and Diversification Fund (TAD) offers up to £5,000 for adaptations, and up to £20,000 for transformation and diversification, and is part of the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant Fund. Andrew Gostelow, service lead for economy and tourism, at Winchester City Council, said: “This grant will support businesses and organisations to implement any new plans to adapt their premises to serve customers within COVID-19 restrictions guidelines. For example, by offering new take-away services, or if they have plans to diversify or transform their services, products and business model to reach new customers and markets.
WINCHESTER civic chiefs are looking beyond Covid to prepare Winchester for the future and the digital economy. The city council is calling on residents and businesses to share their experiences to help shape the future. It wants residents to complete a survey about their broadband and mobile services as well as what it needs to be in the future. Feedback will influence council policies and work with partners. Covid19 has been a catalyst for change with people s lives more more dependent on better digital connectivity. Excellent infrastructure is essential and the council wants to understand the needs of everyone who uses digital services.