"Australia, along with the rest of the world, has recently experienced challenges and tragedies the likes of which have rarely been seen before," Heckenberg explained in a statement.

"For us, locally, it was first the bushfires and now COVID-19. Despite these challenges, Epson remains as committed as ever to its customers and the communities in which it operates.

"Right now our focus is getting business back on track and our new premium partner program is very much part of that."

He said the new program would be at the forefront of initiatives to enable the business to move forward. "The principles that underpin the program are simple – we are building serious, long-term relationships with all of our partners.

"As a result, each partner will achieve a status tier within the program and the appropriate rewards that come with that status.

"At the end of the day our premium partner program creates opportunities for Epson and our partners to mutually grow our businesses."

The program includes financial incentives, which could be special project support that enable partners to win more business.

Further sales benefits include access to dedicated Epson sales and pre-sales support, access to exclusive promotions, access to, and generous, discounts on demonstration equipment and premium sales lead referrals.

On offer also are marketing support that is commensurate with the status tier of a partner and invitations to Epson events both locally and overseas.

Other benefits are in service and support. As a member of the new premium partner program companies will have direct access to a dedicated technical support team with bespoke service and support training programs, service manuals, spare parts and service tools.

The new program has three tiers: Epson Premium Partner, Premium Partner Program Gold and Premium Partner Program Platinum.

Companies interested in signing up can do so here.