Allyship is a vital component in advancing diversity and inclusion efforts, as it involves using our privilege to support underrepresented groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and those within the neurodiversity spectrum. By actively participating in DEI initiatives and mentoring, allies help normalise conversations around representation while providing guidance and opportunities for marginalised communities.

Creating a more equitable world where everyone can thrive through allyship is at the heart of the latest episode of the Barclays Mortgage Insider podcast. This sees host and property expert Phil Spencer joined by Sidney Wager, head of intermediary market development at Barclays, and Aleka Gutzmore, award-winning financial adviser and educator, to discuss how allyship can be defined, perceived and implemented.

As well as covering topics such as the upcoming Barclays Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit and Awards, reverse mentoring and what actions brokers can be taking, the trio outline the importance of curiosity, empowerment, unconscious bias and being active rather than passive.

This makes for an informative, challenging and important discussion on an often underrepresented area of the DEI conversation.

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With a new Labour government in place, an autumn budget and the US election fast approaching, the old suspects of inflation and tax rises still generating much debate, there’s plenty to discuss from an economic standpoint.

To help break down this complex economic landscape and explore its implications for the intermediary mortgage market, by popular demand, Will Hobbs, Head of Multi-Asset Wealth at Barclays UK Wealth Management, returns to share his insights, clarify key trends and offer expert analysis on what the future holds for the industry.

With his characteristic optimism and boundless enthusiasm, Will joins host and property expert Phil Spencer to chat about the UK’s position in the global market, the upcoming budget, technological advancements, the lasting impact of the pandemic, housing supply challenges, public sector wages, and why he remains positive about the UK’s economic outlook.

This detailed assessment provides brokers with valuable perspectives and essential indicators on how to navigate the current economic climate and what to expect in 2025.

This episode was recorded on 3rd September.

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During a cost of living crisis, the additional expense of life insurance, critical illness, income protection and even protecting a mortgage may seem like an unnecessary burden for homeowners. However, this protection is arguably more crucial than ever.

According to ONS figures, 2.5 million people in the UK are unable to work due to long-term illness, and Cancer Research data indicates that half of us will develop some form of cancer in our lifetime. So, how can mortgage intermediaries help their clients prepare for worst-case scenarios without coming across as if they're making a sales pitch?

Host and property expert Phil Spencer is joined by Barry Kellegher, performance manager at Legal & General, to discuss these three pillars of protection—life insurance, critical illness, and income protection. They explore how these protections differ, how individuals can better safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and their mortgages, and highlight just how tough these conversations can be.

Barry also shares his personal experience of suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage despite being fit and healthy. He explains what brokers can learn from his experience and how they can build deeper client relationships by offering tailored advice on these sensitive topics.

All of which proves to be an emotional, insightful and thought-provoking listen.

This episode was recorded on the 22nd of November.

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