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

Three in a row for Lancaster accountants at national awards The Team At Ics Celebrating Their Win

Three in a row for Lancaster accountants at national awards

15 Oct 2026

2

Victorian Plumbing records 11 per cent revenue increase Victorian Plumbing staff

Victorian Plumbing records 11 per cent revenue increase

15 Oct 2026

3

Preparation matters for MTD changes Bilal Piperdy

Preparation matters for MTD changes

15 Oct 2026

4

Training for scheme to boost number of women in technology Aerial photo of Lancaster University Campus

Training for scheme to boost number of women in technology

15 Oct 2026

5

Warden wins contract for Manchester Christmas Markets Warden Three Year Christmas Markets Resized

Warden wins contract for Manchester Christmas Markets

14 Oct 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
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

The Landmark, School Lane, Burnley, BB11 1UF

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

Help to Grow: Management Course
Help To Grow 25 Sep 2026 - 15 Dec 2026

Help to Grow: Management Course

University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 12:00

Building Brands (and workplaces) That Are Accessible For Everyone
Wyqfi3-wowjag-heczop.jpg.jpg 16 Oct 2026

Building Brands (and workplaces) That Are Accessible For Everyone

Neuro Spark Training Solutions, Burnley , BB11 2AS

09:30 - 16:00

Chamber Business Lunch with Leanne Lucas, Founder of Let’s Be Blunt CIC
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 16 Oct 2026

Chamber Business Lunch with Leanne Lucas, Founder of Let’s Be Blunt CIC

Lancaster Golf Club, Lancaster, LA2 0AJ

11:00 - 14:00

St Catherine's Skydive, October
Skydive 17 Oct 2026

St Catherine's Skydive, October

Black Knight Parachute Centre, Lancaster, LA2 0DY

09:00 - 17:00

Commercial Planning Application workshop
Commercial Planning Workshop 20 Oct 2026

Commercial Planning Application workshop

Online, Accrington , BB5 0PF

12:00 - 13:00

Mock Tribunal - step inside an employment tribunal… without the risk
LBV Website Events GraphicMock Tribunal 21 Oct 2026

Mock Tribunal - step inside an employment tribunal… without the risk

Online, Preston, PR1 3JD

09:30 - 12:30

They’ve Already Decided About You – Sales Geek Sales Club: how buyers judge you before you speak – and what to do about it
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 21 Oct 2026

They’ve Already Decided About You – Sales Geek Sales Club: how buyers judge you before you speak – and what to do about it

Lancaster & Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TZ

08:00 - 10:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: October
Freelance Meet Up 22 Oct 2026

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: October

Society1, 9-10 Cross Street, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 12:00

Girlie Night Out
Lancaster And Morecambe Logo 1 23 Oct 2026

Girlie Night Out

Lancaster Brewery, Lancaster, LA1 3LA

19:00 - 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 LBV130 Online GraphicWebsite
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin