Access vs ownership – a new norm for resourcing

Business Support: Jane Cattermole, Bay Tree VA

While people undoubtedly remain the greatest asset, what they bring to a business, when they bring it and why is ever changing, thereby creating a need for access to different resources and less permanent, traditional employment. This is a fundamental shift in how business owners need to approach resourcing, creating flexibility, scalability and innovation over permanence.

Access has long been a practical alternative to ownership. Historically, the idea of access began to take root in the 1970s, when bank managers began to recommend leasing as an alternative to loans for expensive office equipment. By the 1990s, universities and libraries were embracing shared access to books and materials, and by the early 2000s, leasing had become the norm, particularly in technology, where ownership meant high upfront costs, ongoing maintenance and the constant threat of obsolescence.

Today, access has evolved into a strategic advantage. Businesses now rely on subscription-based models and rentals to stay ahead of technological change. Cloud computing and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) have transformed operations, enabling companies to use cutting-edge tools without the burden of ownership. In the public sector, shared infrastructure initiatives such as community energy schemes and digital service hubs, are helping local councils reduce costs and improve service delivery through collaborative access.

And this shift isn’t limited to businesses. As consumers, we experience the benefits of access daily, streaming music on Spotify, watching films on Netflix or booking holidays through Airbnb. These platforms prioritise experience and convenience, making access more appealing, especially when space and funds are limited.

Resourcing today goes beyond simply running a business. As individuals embrace portfolio careers and automation reshapes the workforce, the concept of resourcing itself is expanding. At Bay Tree we work with a client to ascertain what they actually need. The answer is often a blend of access to technology, expertise and experience, brought together to deliver outcomes without ownership.

The future belongs to the sharing economy, where access-based resourcing empowers dynamic organisations to thrive.