Dorset LEP and Smith & Williamson launch Business Resilience Programme

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is partnering with financial and professional services firm, Smith & Williamson, to offer Dorset-based businesses access to free expert advice and support to help them recover from impacts of COVID-19.

Nearly four months have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many businesses to suspend or dramatically alter how they operate. A number of measures have been rolled-out across the UK to support businesses including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and government-backed loans and business rate holidays, however, the impact for a vast majority of businesses and their employees has been devastating and businesses are now looking at how they can recover from the crisis.

The Business Resilience Programme from Dorset LEP and Smith & Williamson will help Dorset-based businesses develop strategies and plans to help manage cash flow, now and in coming months, so they’re in a position to continue trading as the UK emerges from the crisis. 

The programme will be delivered between July and October through a series of five themed webinars, supported by funded 1-2-1 business consultancy. With the furlough scheme winding down, the first of the webinars, on Thursday 30 July, will focus on employment issues such as returning from furlough, retraining, redeployment and redundancies, with input from Deborah West from Steele Raymond, Marion Hewitt from Protea Solutions and Amy Harper from Smith & Williamson. For full details about all of the webinars, their content and how to register, visit our dedicated programme webpage: https://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/business-resilience-programme

With the UK’s departure from the EU still likely to have a major impact on how businesses will operate in the future, the support being offered will also help them to get ready for when the transition period ends at the end of 2020. 

Finn Morgan, Business Engagement and Dorset Gateway Manager for Dorset LEP explained: “With the easing of restrictions on business activities, businesses are telling us they’re now looking for support to get their operations back on track. Smith & Williamson have a huge amount of experience advising a range of clients - especially high-growth and high-growth potential businesses - on a range of key business areas, from cashflow and forecasting through to tax and restructuring. We’re thrilled to partner with Smith & Williamson to give Dorset’sbusiness community access to the best advice and support available and help the region’s economy to recover.”

Amy Harper, Director of Business Outsourcing Services at Smith & Williamson said: “We are delighted to be part of this exciting initiative from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). During the pandemic, we have supported many businesses across the region by helping them to develop strategies to return to positive trading conditions. It is a tough environment for everyone. However, we can help to pinpoint the most crucial actions that businesses can consider adopting to give them the best chance of turning their business around and emerge in a stronger position after the pandemic.” 

The Business Resilience Programme is fully funded through Dorset Gateway, Dorset LEP’s business growth hub - part of the national Growth Hub network - providing an informed and bespoke service, free to any Dorset-based businesses looking for help to source appropriate available solutions for growth and development. In partnership with Dorset Chamber, Dorset Gateway offers free and impartial business advice, signposting to other support and funding opportunities to help businesses grow.

Access details on the full series and book your place online at https://www.dorsetlep.co.uk/business-resilience-programme

Notes to editors:

Smith & Williamson is a leading financial and professional services group providing a comprehensive range of investment management, tax, financial advisory and accountancy services to private clients and their business interests. The firm’s c1,800 people operate from a network of 12 offices: London, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cheltenham, Dublin (City and Sandyford), Glasgow, Guildford, Jersey, Salisbury and Southampton.