Winchester City Council has launched a free artificial intelligence training program for local businesses, marking a bold step in its digital skills initiative. Starting Monday, June 8, the council-led effort aims to train 500 businesses across the district before July 1, positioning Winchester as a hub for tech-driven economic growth.
Cllr Lucille Thompson, cabinet member for business and culture, emphasized the urgency of digital upskilling. "Businesses that fail to adopt AI tools risk falling behind in efficiency and competitiveness," Thompson said. "This program removes barriers to entry by offering tailored support at no cost."
Key Points
- ✅ 500 businesses targeted for free AI training by July 1
- ⚡ Three-tiered program includes webinars, workshops, and one-to-one clinics
- 💡 Expert-led sessions designed for all business sizes and sectors
The first session, an Introduction to AI Webinar, runs at 10 a.m. on June 8 and is open to any local business. Participants will learn foundational AI concepts and real-world applications. Registration is capped at 200 attendees to ensure engagement.
| Session Type | Date | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI Webinar | June 8, 10 a.m. | Online | 200 |
| AI Use Case Workshop | June 17, 10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | voco Winchester Hotel & Spa | 50 |
| AI Business Clinic | July 1 | Winchester City Council offices | 30 (30-minute slots) |
The June 17 workshop at the voco Winchester Hotel & Spa will focus on practical AI applications, with attendees working in small groups to develop use cases for their businesses. The July 1 clinics offer 30-minute personalized sessions, where experts assess individual business needs and recommend AI tools.
📋 By The Numbers
- 200 — Maximum attendees for the June 8 webinar
- £50,000 — Council-funded budget for the entire program
Businesses can sign up via the council’s event portal, with priority given to Winchester-based firms. Thompson confirmed that the program is part of a broader £50,000 investment in digital infrastructure, funded through the council’s economic growth initiative.
💡 Pro Tip
Register for the June 8 webinar early—spaces fill quickly. Bring a list of your business’s current digital challenges to make the most of the session.
Local entrepreneurs like Priya Patel, owner of a Winchester-based marketing firm, have already signed up. "AI isn’t just for tech giants anymore," Patel said. "This training could help my team automate repetitive tasks and focus on strategy." The council is tracking completion rates and plans to expand the program if demand exceeds expectations.
- 📊 70% of Winchester businesses lack AI expertise, per a 2024 council survey
- 🔍 Workshop content is tailored to sectors like retail, hospitality, and professional services
- ⚠️ Deadline to register for the June 17 workshop is June 10
The program aligns with Hampshire County Council’s wider digital skills strategy, which includes £2 million allocated for AI training across the region. Winchester’s initiative is the first of its kind to offer multi-tiered, no-cost support directly to businesses. Council leaders say the goal is to create a model that other districts can replicate.
- June 8 — Free AI webinar for all businesses
- June 10 — Registration deadline for June 17 workshop
- July 1 — Final AI Business Clinic sessions
- Ongoing — Council reviews program impact and expansion plans
