The Restart Scheme Causes a Complete Turnaround for Neil's Business

• The Growth Company (GC) delivers the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester on behalf of Ingeus.
• Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the scheme provides up to 12 months of enhanced support to people like Neil, helping them find jobs in their local area.
• Find out how we helped Neil to start his own business and rebuild his confidence.

Neil was referred to the Restart Scheme at the end of 2021. Over the years, he had suffered with mental health issues and many people in his life had let him down. This resulted in a dismissive attitude towards government support and the Universal Credit system. Neil would be the first to admit that he had lost faith in the available support and felt there was no way forward for someone in his situation.

After speaking with his Restart Advisor, Alex, Neil has grown in confidence. Playing to his strengths, he has progressed his application to starting up his own business. Neil formed a collective of freelancers through his own network to offer a wide range of marketing and business support. Neil has now reached a stage where he is ready to launch his business, and already has clients lined up.

As part of the additional support the Restart Scheme offers, the programme is funding new computer hardware to ensure that Neil has the equipment he needs to be able to deliver SME project work. Neil was blown away by the support he has received through the Restart Scheme. The programme has resulted in a complete turnaround, from a person who felt lost and penalised by ‘the system’, to getting the help he needed to be able to start up a business venture that he’s incredibly excited and proud about.

Neil explained his experience of the Restart Scheme: “It’s been excellent. Alex, despite having his own issues occurring, has been on point, displaying a lot of patience with me, which can be testing, as I’m not the easiest person to deal with. All in all, I’ve had a positive experience and look forward to having it come to fruition when my doors open.”

Alex, his Restart Advisor commented: “Neil’s transformation has been wonderful to witness. He does admit to being a difficult person to deal with, however, he is channeling the frustration from the past to put everything into his new business for success.

"I believe Neil will be as successful as he wants to be with the freelance collective. The funded equipment was a sign that there is help available.

"On top of that, Neil has never missed an appointment to develop his business strategy, and personally I am very proud of his achievements so far. One to watch!”

Commissioned by the Department for Work and Pensions, The Growth Company delivers the Restart Scheme in Greater Manchester on behalf of Ingeus, the lead provider for this region.

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The Growth Company is an award-winning social enterprise with a mission to generate growth, create jobs, and improve lives. We provide employment services across Greater Manchester, the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Cheshire, and Yorkshire and Humber.

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