James Smyth: Don't overlook HR's hidden potential for your business

Incremental 1% improvements

clock • 4 min read

Small improvements in the human resources side of financial services businesses will be key to tackling the bigger challenges that lie ahead for the sector, argues James Smyth

Helping people and businesses obtain the most return from their investment is the lifeblood of the financial services sector yet how many firms can say their internal processes deliver the same value? Staffing is probably your biggest expense - so clearly, if your team is not working as well as it could, you will not see the most value from it. Many business professionals, whether they work in human resources (HR) or not, understand the importance of recruiting the right people for the job, then engaging them to drive performance. They may also recognise their own HR policies - or lack t...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

FCA proposes overhaul of client categorisation rules

FCA proposes overhaul of client categorisation rules

In response to industry calls for a more flexible regime

Sahar Nazir
clock 08 December 2025 • 2 min read
Barclays weighs bid for £2.5bn Evelyn Partners as major banks circle – report

Barclays weighs bid for £2.5bn Evelyn Partners as major banks circle – report

NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group reportedly among firms considering offers

Sahar Nazir
clock 08 December 2025 • 1 min read
Andrew Goodwin on the Budget: Three key lessons for advisers

Andrew Goodwin on the Budget: Three key lessons for advisers

'Pretty much everybody has taken a hit'

Andrew Goodwin
clock 08 December 2025 • 4 min read