In November 2020, Bluecube Telecommunications (now Bluecube Cloud Services), in collaboration with the University of Lincoln and several prominent Lincolnshire organisations, hosted a two-day online event titled “Business Reimagined.” The event was designed to support businesses adapting to the challenges of COVID-19, particularly the shift to remote and hybrid working models.

Held on November 10th and 11th 2020, the event brought together experts from across HR, finance, IT, communications and wellbeing to offer practical advice and strategic insights. The sessions were hosted by BBC presenter and technology journalist Lucy Hedges, who guided attendees through a packed agenda of interactive webinars and panel discussions.

A Collaborative Effort for Local Business Resilience

The event was the brainchild of Paul Reames, Managing Director of Bluecube, who recognised the need for businesses to move from reactive decision-making to long-term planning. “Businesses have had a difficult time over the past few months,” Reames said. “Now, things are beginning to settle and many people want to make decisions that work in the long run.”

To meet this need, Bluecube partnered with a diverse group of organisations including:

  • The University of Lincoln
  • Streets Accountants
  • Active Lincolnshire
  • Amica HR
  • Mosaic Digital Hub
  • Faster Britain
  • Cyberlab

Each brought their own area of expertise to the table, ensuring that attendees received a well-rounded perspective on how to adapt and thrive in the new business landscape.

Key Themes and Takeaways

  1. Technology and Connectivity

Bluecube and Faster Britain led discussions on the importance of robust communication tools and internet infrastructure. With remote work becoming the norm, businesses need reliable, secure, and user-friendly systems. Bluecube shared insights on how to equip teams with effective communication platforms, while Faster Britain introduced their upcoming full-fibre ultrafast network rollout in Lincoln, promising a significant boost in connectivity for local businesses.

  1. Cybersecurity and IT Resilience

Cyberlab addressed the growing cybersecurity risks associated with remote work. With employees accessing sensitive data from home networks, businesses must reassess their security protocols. Topics included secure access, data protection, and the importance of regular system audits.

  1. HR and Legal Considerations

Amica HR provided a comprehensive overview of how businesses can navigate employment law and HR best practices in a remote or hybrid environment. This included guidance on updating employment contracts, managing performance remotely, and ensuring compliance with evolving government guidelines.

  1. Financial Planning and Support

Streets Accountants offered practical advice on financial planning during uncertain times. They discussed cash flow management, government support schemes, and how to build financial resilience in the face of ongoing disruption.

  1. Health, Wellbeing, and Engagement

Active Lincolnshire explored the psychological impact of remote work and how employers can support their teams’ mental and physical wellbeing. They emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering a sense of community, even when teams are physically apart.

  1. Flexible and Co-Working Models

Ben James from Mosaic, Lincoln’s digital hub and co-working space, discussed the pros and cons of traditional office setups versus flexible and co-working models. He highlighted how businesses can benefit from shared spaces that offer both structure and flexibility, particularly for startups and small teams.

University of Lincoln’s Role and Regional Support

The University of Lincoln supported the event through its Productivity Programme for Greater Lincolnshire, funded by the European Regional Development Fund. This initiative offers grant funding, business advice, and access to academic expertise for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises across the region. Their involvement underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation and resilience.

Interactive Format and Community Engagement

The event’s format encouraged active participation, with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and engage directly with speakers. This interactive approach helped foster a sense of community and shared purpose among Lincolnshire businesses navigating similar challenges.

Lucy Hedges summed up the spirit of the event: “The events of this year have seen businesses across the UK forced into a new way of working. This event is designed to help the business community adapt and take advantage of some expert local advice to ensure they’re making the right decisions.”

Conclusion

“Business Reimagined” was more than just a webinar series—it was a timely and collaborative response to the evolving needs of Lincolnshire’s business community. By bringing together local expertise across multiple disciplines, Bluecube and its partners provided a valuable platform for learning, connection, and forward-thinking strategy.

As businesses continue to adapt to a post-pandemic world, events like this play a crucial role in ensuring that no organisation must face the future alone.