Simon Goldthorpe: How being a SWOT can help you grow your business

clock • 4 min read

Boris Johnson may have tried to insult David Cameron by calling him a 'swot', writes Simon Goldthorpe, but, for IFA business owners, it may not be such a bad thing...

If you've been through the British education system and have been called a swot, the chances are it wasn't meant in a nice way. Dating back to the 1860s, the word swot has been used as a derogatory term to describe people who would rather bury their heads in a maths textbook than attend the school disco. Recently, Supreme Court Judge Lady Hale was criticised for calling herself a ‘girly swot', an apparent dig at Boris Johnson for referring to former Prime Minister David Cameron in such a way.  But for forward-thinking financial advisers wanting to grow their business, being a SWOT ...

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

PA Asks: Are you worried about losing clients to targeted support?

PA Asks: Are you worried about losing clients to targeted support?

FCA outlined targeted support plans on Monday

Professional Adviser
clock 02 July 2025 • 1 min read
Aveni forms AI advisory board with wealth management leaders

Aveni forms AI advisory board with wealth management leaders

Senior execs from Aviva’s Succession Wealth, Schroders Personal Wealth, 7IM and Rathbones join forum

Sahar Nazir
clock 01 July 2025 • 2 min read
Majority of UK wealth management sector eyes acquisitions this year

Majority of UK wealth management sector eyes acquisitions this year

Continued appetite and momentum in M&A space

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 June 2025 • 3 min read