Greenacre Financial Services in Isleworth, London, has been offering bespoke services for clients that are hard of hearing. The firm’s Matt Butler explains how it came about.
How, why and when the initiative began?
It started when I joined Greenacre Financial Services in June 2021. Myself and the managing director, Greg Stanworth, saw my skill of being able to communicate in sign language as an opportunity to help those who are deaf or hard of hearing. We understand that the whole process of obtaining a mortgage can be a daunting one at the best of times. We just want to be there to help make things as easy as possible for people, especially those who may have trouble communicating with an adviser in the first place.
When did you learn to sign? Why did you learn to sign?
My parents are both deaf as are a number of my family and many of their friends, so it was just something I naturally picked up as I got older.
How has being able to sign helped your role?
Although it isn’t necessary for the job because we can do so much over email it is important to make sure that we are accessible for anyone. It is a great attribute to have as it would help to make deaf people feel confident and comfortable knowing that they can communicate with someone face to face if this is what they desire. At least this way they are not just restricted to talking to someone through a screen in whom they have never met physically. All of this would help to build a good trust and relationship as they would feel more at ease.
What advice would you give to advisers/firms regarding supporting clients who are hard of hearing?
Well, we would always be happy to help and assist, this is not about money or income, it’s about helping those who need and being accessible.
Any results?
We have had a few mortgage enquiries and even if it was just an initial chat to answer a few questions or worries that they have had, I have been more than happy to assist them in the knowledge that they have gone away with a clearer understanding.
So, what next?
As I grew up around lots of deaf people, I know just how tightknit the deaf community can be. With the excellent service we at Greenacre Financial Services strive to deliver, (backed up by our 100% 5* google rating), I hope that the clients I help will not hesitate in recommending me to their friends and family who may be in a similar position and in turn lead to supporting as many people as possible.
What does the boss think?
Greg said it was really important to him that we are there to help as many clients as possible with no barriers in the way. Mortgage advice can be life changing and we would hate to think of someone who feels this is not attainable due to being hard of hearing in this instance. He said the whole company ethos was set up around customer service and that has to be to each and every client.
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To find out more information about the campaign, please contact Greg Stanworth at Greenacre [email protected]
