With COVID-19 hitting businesses hard, many business owners have had to scale back their operations or even cease trading altogether.

During the initial stages of the pandemic, the government’s funding and initiatives have centred around short-term ‘crisis management’ but, as talk turns to restarting the economy, companies will see an end to this ‘crisis funding’ and be expected to resume operations quickly.

Obviously, restarting almost overnight is going to prove a massive challenge for many business owners.

Which is why the D2N2 Growth Hub, the business support network for businesses in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire is working with its sister organisations in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to fund the RESTART programme.

The RESTART programme, run by The Export Department, provides a mixture of coaching and ‘hands-on’ support, uniquely tailored to participating businesses as they prepare to resume trading.

The aim of RESTART is to ensure that local businesses not only emerge more resilient from this crisis but are also optimally equipped to capitalise on the opportunities presented to them once the ‘green light’ is given and business can resume.

The programme begins on May 12 with a free to attend webinar explaining what trading through the new normal looks like, what the opportunities are to accrue early revenue, and how employers can prepare to ensure they are protecting their staff by complying with Government guidelines.

The webinar will also signpost attendees to a number of virtual 1-2-1s being held in May for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire businesses who are now looking to successfully restart their operations as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

1-2-1 support will be delivered in a virtual setting with assignments set in between, amounting to a total of 6-8 hours fully funded support per business.

Andrea Collins, Managing Director or The Export Department said: “The programme is serving to re-focus business minds and restore a level of much-needed control.”

“Business owners are able to channel a lot of understandable anxiety and panic into positive, productive planning for successfully resuming business as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually lifted.”

Businesses interested in taking advantage of the RESTART programme should first sign up for the free introductory webinar or express an interest in the 1-2-1 sessions.