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

Treasury's AR consultation: Extending the FOS' scope a 'concern'

Treasury's AR consultation: Extending the FOS' scope a 'concern'

‘FOS needs to be overhauled as it is’

Isabel Baxter
clock 19 February 2026 • 4 min read
In Accord launches advice firm client investment 'badge' initiative

In Accord launches advice firm client investment 'badge' initiative

To demonstrate commitment to understanding client needs

Laura Purkess
clock 17 February 2026 • 2 min read
Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Feel Good Friday: Quilter pledges £3m towards financial education

Alongside £1m in grants supporting charities

Professional Adviser
clock 13 February 2026 • 1 min read