The office fridge. Full of 12 types of milk, none derived from cows, and four on the work top, at room temperature. As for the tea, do not get me started.
As I paw through the cardboard boxes and glass jars of herb, spice, and infusions, nowhere can I find the word ‘Yorkshire.’
These indicators are, in general, a generational differentiator. We underestimate this generation at our peril. They will be stronger, live longer and have focus unsurpassed in our lifetimes.
Remember, in general, this generation, unless, perhaps, it is their first big event, do not always need to be instructed how to ‘behave’ at the start of the evening, (or at the end) by the event hosts or organisers. They, instinctively, just know.
They are mirrors, they are sponges, absorbing all that they see and hear around them.
They learn from the likes of Liz Syms, Mark Goldberg, Robert Sinclair, Alistair Ewing, Vic Janells, John Cupis, Stephanie Charman, Ying Tan, Peter Brodnicki, Mark Hobbs. The list goes on. They just learn, so then as a result, they just know.
NEW BLOOD, NEW TALENT
There was a time, not so long ago, that the industry worried about its own future.
We have seen a concerted effort from some individuals to revive interest in apprenticeship schemes, and formal adviser and lender-side training schemes have clearly also borne fruit.
Although there is no official data on the number of UK lenders that have launched training schemes, we are aware of some strong schemes thriving. Brokers are recruiting and training new advisers into the industry and the evidence is there for us to behold.
We know all the barriers to entry that exist for financial services, but we also know how hard the industry is trying to overcome them. It needs more genuine entry-level roles, academy-style training, clearer qualification support, better mentoring, and a shift away from hiring purely on experience with a balanced move towards attitude and potential.
There is also plenty to celebrate. Look around at any industry event, awards ceremony, conference or roadshow gathering and you will see it – the present, the future. Bright, articulate, organised, and sociable people going about their business, while also having fun doing it.
Valued mentors provide clear paths, ensuring individuals new to the industry do not fall into the traps set by our day-to-day environment. The possible faux pas of not recognising an industry luminary or otherwise mis-judging the moment somehow. They listen, they learn.
LOOK TO THE FUTURE NOW
Succession planning was also a huge worry in a previously ageing sector, and this remains with some business owners.
Familiar surnames, and sometimes familiar faces, now appear in abundance around the industry, which is a great thing. When we present the award for Best newcomer, Best academy graduate, or Best rising star, we can see that the future is in safe hands.
These nominees and winners are all modest, popular amongst their peers and seem to appreciate the recognition, but without the jaded views of someone more ‘senior.’
We really are reaping the benefits of some intelligent thinking and planning, matched by a new cohort of talented people.
I want to say a big thank you to the leaders in our industry who continue to invest time, energy, and money in youth recruitment which is already making financial services a better place to work for all.
