I recently read an interesting piece of research showing that coffee shop chains have grown by 47% across the UK during the last year. The fact that this growth took part during the deep recession indicates that it cannot be explained by our growing love of coffee alone. The Local Data Company, who commissioned the research, attributed this growth to an increasing number of business meetings being held over coffee rather than expensive meals. Also the mobile workforce commonly using wi-fi technology tend to do some work ‘on the go’ in coffee shops.
But what about the rest of people who like to pause between jobs and pressing engagements over a cup of overpriced coffee and enjoy the moment – perhaps with a colleague or a friend? The remote ways of working and digital communications which are dehumanising social and working relationships perhaps are also creating a longing for human contact and greater appreciation of what it offers. The common loathing of having to deal with call centres or websites without contact telephone numbers proves the point.
By coincidence two of my recent interviewees stressed that the success of their business was due to their ability to maintain close relationships with their customers. Stuart Wiggins, who operates in rural Northumberland, knows some of his customers and their needs probably better than some of us know members of our families. John Reddigton launched Big Red Sales after noticing that many companies cannot afford to maintain a sales force on the road which put them at serious disadvantage with their trade partners since “people buy from people” after all.
On behalf of the IER publishing team I wish you a very traditional Christmas, with plenty of good food and wine enjoyed in the company of people dearest to you.
Anna Ryland, Editor
- BSkyB hits the road to meet independent retai...
- Seasonal offers
- Bosch gives it a thorough mix
- Bissell launches a rental proposition for indies
- BSH announces new head of customer services
- The end of the race?
- Trade update...
- Intelligent solutions, wise investments
- CIH calls its suppliers to support the indepe...
- Hard times
