Vince Smith-Hughes: A Sliding Doors case study

There are two sides to every story

clock • 9 min read

Vince Smith-Hughes runs through a Sliding Doors-type scenario that sees a fictitious couple benefit, or not, from the advice process. Over to Colin and Clare...

Numerous surveys over recent years have highlighted the benefit of taking advice. Over the long term, evidence has shown that advice can result in those who take it being better off to the tune of many thousands of pounds, even at a conservative estimate. It appears that the benefits of taking advice are also filtering down to the next generation, for example, Prudential UK research shows that 67% of people whose parents have a financial adviser also use that same adviser. But what about those who don't and have never sought advice? Sadly, the advice gap remains stubbornly wide. Even ...

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

The banks are back: What does this mean for advisers?

The banks are back: What does this mean for advisers?

Banks ‘uniquely positioned’ to provide advice to mass market

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 August 2026 • 6 min read
Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Social media investment advice leaves investors out of pocket - research

Over half who acted on social media financial advice regretted it

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 3 min read
New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

New sexual harassment duty: Can adviser firms show they've taken 'all reasonable steps'?

'Employers will be expected to take all reasonable steps'

Emily Bradshaw
clock 19 August 2026 • 4 min read