We looked last time at how PR was changing. The traditional (and expensive) way of doing it is still around, but there is a new, streamlined and much cheaper option in the form of online PR.

A similar phenomenon can be observed in the area of business pitches. Not so long ago, an agency shortlisted by a client would move heaven and earth to impress at the so-called beauty parade. They would do everything short of hiring a troupe of dancing girls (and we're not saying that never happened either).

But beyond all the glitz and glamour, this meant one thing: pitching for new business was a very expensive activity.

There are still firms out there spending serious money on pitches. But we're not one of them; and we believe our approach is the way of the future, for two reasons.

First, even most MPs now realise that nothing comes for free. Expensive pitches have to be paid for, especially the unsuccessful ones. And the person who ends up paying is ultimately the client. So clients of big pitchers are likely to be charged more in the long run.

Second, we think clients are far more sophisticated these days. They are less likely to be hoodwinked by showy presentations, and more concerned about the nuts of bolts of what an agency can do for them.

At LimeTree, we keep our expenditure on pitches to the minimum. Yes, certain items have to be paid for or it wouldn't be a pitch at all. But everything at our pitches comes under the heading of necessity, not luxury.

That's because we'd rather spend our money on giving you the best possible solutions to your needs. We'd also rather show you exactly how we could help you; so the people at our pitches are also the people who will do the actual work.

We said that this is the way of the future, and it is. But it's also a return to older values: to substance over surface, to honesty over hype.

If that sounds refreshing to you, contact us today.