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Remote working could be here to stay – even after the coronavirus crisis is over – according to panellists who took part in Marketing Derby’s latest Talking Business Live debate.

Since the start of the pandemic, and the subsequent lockdowns, businesses across Derby and Derbyshire have become more and more reliant on technology.

An increasing number of Bondholder companies using new, innovative technology to help with the day-to-day running of their businesses.

Meanwhile, digital companies have been busy creating new products to help others stay ahead in these challenging times.

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In the latest Talking Business Live debate, chaired by Marketing Derby managing director John Forkin, a panel of Bondholders came together to discuss how adopting new technology is helping them navigate the Covid world.

Meanwhile, those behind the tech revealed how it is opening up new avenues of business and fuelling growth.

Matt Hill, chief executive at EVAD Communications, said: “Whatever happens with Covid, this method of working remotely using technology is not going to go away. For example, we’ve agreed a flexible working programme, which is permanent.”

According to Chester Robinson, from the Uspire Group, while not being able to hold physical meetings was a challenge, virtual meetings have their advantages.

He said: “Traditionally, we would meet in the Derby area with Colin, our commercial coach, and people would travel in.

“Technology has allowed Colin to splice work, life and learning altogether in 95 to 75-minute sessions. He can also introduce other experts.”

Jonathan Gray, founder of Work Wallet, said more and more businesses were embracing technology to improve their business operations, particularly in the field of health and safety, an area heightened by Covid.

He said: “It’s not about technology, it’s about people using technology. It’s about taking a different approach to people’s learning.

“It’s about how you can improve your operations – and technology allows you to do that.”

Likewise, Steve Knight, from food and drink ordering app designer App4, said that lockdown had resulted in many businesses embracing its products.

He said: “The performance of the business has been a game-changer.

“A lot of businesses who were contemplating putting their business online, as an e-commerce site or through an app, have made that decision.

“As a result, we’ve seen a 178% increase in growth compared to last year.”

Hana York, from Mainframe, said technology had the ability to be a “catalyst” for creativity.

She said: “We need to embrace, as businesses, all the digital tools available to us to attract and engage customers – but we also don’t want to miss those internal water cooler, lightbulb moments that can drive our businesses forward.

“While the technology makes it all possible, it’s important to remember that it’s people that make it all tolerable.

“If we look for ways to encourage the magic in the middle, technology won’t kill creativity, it will be the catalyst.”

Meanwhile, Grace Harrison, from the YMCA Derbyshire, said that technology had been a lifeline for many of its young residents during the pandemic.

She said: “From March 2020, we adapted all of our forward-facing delivery by embracing and utilising technology.

“95 of our 190 residents have since embraced online support.

“We are often the only support network that these young people have and without the technology I’m not sure what they would do.”