Flexing to meet new client needs

The end of lockdown is in sight, and it is hopefully the last one ever.

So the next question is, will things get back to how they were and do we want them to?

The technical acceleration in adopting video conferencing means that the need to head across the country for minor meetings is, hopefully, finally over. However, that’s not what I am alluding to with the question.

The questions I think we should all be asking ourselves, as business owners, are:

  • Do our customers still need or want the same products and services?
  • Do our customers still want to purchase in the same way?
  • Do we still want to sell the same products and services?
  • And do we actually even want the same customers?

When we explored these questions, the team at Cotton Court reached out to existing customers and factored these questions into discussions with potential new customers.

One of the most significant changes the pandemic has brought about is the need for greater flexibility when procuring our services.

The Covid shockwave has brought into question our relationship with permanence.

I feel that committing to future business activities at a specified volume has become a barrier, maybe even a dealbreaker, if amicable flex cannot be added to provide an extra layer of comfort for both parties.

With a pent-up demand and an urgency to forge forward and recoup lost ground due to Covid, the Lancashire business landscape will no doubt look different, but I am quite excited to see it burst back into action!

  • To read this feature in full and access further Lancashire business news, advice and analysis subscribe to Lancashire Business View magazine or join the LBV Hub from just £2.50 per month. Click here to subscribe now.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Robert Binns, Cotton Court

Latest news

1

Virgin Wines to relocate to new APTUS development Aptus

Virgin Wines to relocate to new APTUS development

19 Aug 2026

2

Book your place at LBV issue 130 launch event LBV130 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 6

Book your place at LBV issue 130 launch event

19 Aug 2026

3

Headline sponsors line up for LBV Built Environment Conference BEC26 WW Logo1080 1

Headline sponsors line up for LBV Built Environment Conference

18 Aug 2026

4

PNE sale moves forward after 'acceptable' offer Deepdalecomplete

PNE sale moves forward after 'acceptable' offer

18 Aug 2026

5

Brewer to buy city centre premises after 17 year journey from garage hobby Ryan Hayes Chain House Brewing

Brewer to buy city centre premises after 17 year journey from garage hobby

18 Aug 2026

Blackburn College (July-Aug 26)
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
LBV130 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 6 17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2QS

08:30 - 10:30

Built Environment Conference 2026
BEC26 WW Logo720 24 Sep 2026

Built Environment Conference 2026

EG On The Move, Waterside Head Office, Blackburn, BB1 2FA

08:30 - 13:00

Sub36 Awards 2026
Sub36 WW Logo720 16 Oct 2026

Sub36 Awards 2026

Park Hall Hotel & Spa, Chorley, PR7 5LP

18:30 - 00:30

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
LBV131 Magazine Launch Social720No Text 19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Lancashire Business Day 2026
LBD26 WW Logo720 27 Nov 2026

Lancashire Business Day 2026

Burnley Football Club, BB10 4BX

12:00 - 17:00

U35 Networking
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 25 Aug 2026

U35 Networking

The Royal Hotel & Bar, Lancaster, LA1 1YD

17:30 - 19:00

Build Your Business To Sell It - Even If You Aren't Planning To Sell - FREE Workshop
LBV Website Events GraphicAction Coach 2 27 Aug 2026

Build Your Business To Sell It - Even If You Aren't Planning To Sell - FREE Workshop

The Wellsprings, Bolton, BL1 1SB

09:00 - 11:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: August
LBV Website Events GraphicFreelancer Meet Up 27 Aug 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: August

Society1, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – September
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 03 Sep 2026

Chamber Breakfast Networking – September

Soul Bowl, Morecambe, LA4 4BU

08:00 - 10:00

Mediation in the workplace: a practical guide to resolving conflict
LBV Website Events GraphicMediation In The Workplace 08 Sep 2026

Mediation in the workplace: a practical guide to resolving conflict

Online, Preston, PR1 3JG

12:00 - 12:45

Preston Tech Connection Hot Takes
LBV Website Events GraphicHot Takes In Tech 09 Sep 2026

Preston Tech Connection Hot Takes

Society1, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Stop Wasting Time. Start Making Money
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 10 Sep 2026

Stop Wasting Time. Start Making Money

Lancaster & Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TZ

08:00 - 10:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV129 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin