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

Royal Navy launches Level 5 healthcare apprenticeship with University of Lancashire Royal Navy visit the theatre

Royal Navy launches Level 5 healthcare apprenticeship with University of Lancashire

02 Apr 2026

2

More acquisitions in the pipeline for Chesnara Steve Murray - Chesnara

More acquisitions in the pipeline for Chesnara

01 Apr 2026

3

East Lancashire Learning Group tops national achievement rate tables Lisa O'Loughlin

East Lancashire Learning Group tops national achievement rate tables

31 Mar 2026

4

The grate comeback of Butlers Gill and Matthew Hall

The grate comeback of Butlers

31 Mar 2026

5

Retrofit contractor appoints new social value manager Angela Jones Social Value Manager

Retrofit contractor appoints new social value manager

31 Mar 2026

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
AI & Cybersecurity Summit
AI and Cybersecurity Logo
Summit
28 Apr 2026

AI & Cybersecurity Summit

Dunkenhalgh House , Blackburn Road, Clayton Le Moors, BB5 5JP

08:30 - 11:00

Sub36 Networking - Outdoor Elements
Sub36 Outdoor Elements Logo1920x1008
Networking
29 Apr 2026

Sub36 Networking - Outdoor Elements

Outdoor Elements, Pump House Dean Wood, Trapp Lane, Burnley, BB12 7JD

09:00 - 11:00

LBV Magazine Networking Events - SAVE THE DATES
Jan/ Feb Networking Event - Talking
Networking
14 May 2026

LBV Magazine Networking Events - SAVE THE DATES

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Funding Summit
Funding Logo Canva Mid
Summit
17 Jun 2026 - 17 Jun 2026

Funding Summit

Village Hotel Blackpool

08:30 - 11:00

RISE - a tailored 6 month leadership programme for women across the North West
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Apr 2026 - 15 Apr 2026

RISE - a tailored 6 month leadership programme for women across the North West

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Header (31).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
16 Apr 2026 - 16 Apr 2026

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Blackburn, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Sickness Absence: key actions for your business
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Apr 2026 - 22 Feb 2026

Sickness Absence: key actions for your business

The Longlands Hotel, Carnforth, LA6 1JH

08:00 - 10:00

Freelancer Meet-Up April
April Freelancer Instagram size.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
23 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2026

Freelancer Meet-Up April

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 00:00

Vibe Coding: "Who owns what when no one wrote the code?"
April PTC Banner.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
28 Apr 2026 - 28 Apr 2026

Vibe Coding: "Who owns what when no one wrote the code?"

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Dazzle & Decadence
Dazzle & Decadence TryBooking Header.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
30 Apr 2026

Dazzle & Decadence

Ainsworth Jewellers, 57-59 Darwen St, Blackburn, BB2 2BW

18:00 - 20:00

Manufacturing for Tomorrow Club
Example.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2026

Manufacturing for Tomorrow Club

University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:00 - 11:30

Blackburn Beer and Gin Festival 2026
Blackburn Beer and Gin Festival 2026
LBV Hub Social
01 May 2026

Blackburn Beer and Gin Festival 2026

BB1 8NB

17:00 - 23:00

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 LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin