Mark Sanderson: Customers come from all walks of life. Why don't we?

Tackling bias starts in the mirror

clock • 5 min read

Mark Sanderson poses a tough question to the advisory profession: How are we to best serve client needs if clients come from non-stereotypical backgrounds but we don’t?

It shouldn't be necessary to beat the drum for diversity and inclusion in the UK advice sector in 2022. Nearly a thousand years after William of Normandy injected fresh Viking and French genetics into the Angles, Saxons, Danes and Celts of this land, followed by successive waves of distinctive cultures and ethnic groups coming to these shores from the British Empire, the Commonwealth and the European continent, our population is among the most diverse in the world. If only we were also the most inclusive in the financial advice sphere. No matter what some people say (not always polite...

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 Business

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2026

All the advice firm acquisitions that have taken place in 2026

Keeping track of the ongoing consolidation in the advice industry

Professional Adviser
clock 12 November 2026 • 5 min read
Small firm, weaker hand: The reality of selling a financial planning practice

Small firm, weaker hand: The reality of selling a financial planning practice

'The strongest position is an attractive, prepared practice whose owner has choices'

Gareth Fatchett
clock 10 November 2026 • 4 min read
Adviser revenue remains main bonus metric at majority of large firms

Adviser revenue remains main bonus metric at majority of large firms

Firms focused on organic growth but miss incentive opportunity

Jenna Brown
clock 10 November 2026 • 3 min read