This is one of the hardest leaders I’ve had to write. When there’s a war going on not far away — or anywhere, for that matter — civilians are dying and hundreds of thousands are being displaced, everything else feels insignificant.
Yes, this is a mortgage trade magazine, not a political publication, but each month I take this opportunity to reflect on the weeks since our last issue and to look forward. The horror that is happening in Ukraine is at the forefront of my mind, as no doubt it is of yours.
Aside from the huge toll on those directly involved in the war, there are knock-on effects here
Not to address the unprovoked attack in which many citizens have already lost their lives wouldn’t sit well with me. Humanity needs to do better. Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine.
Aside from the huge toll on those directly involved in the war, there are knock-on effects here. With sanctions in place on Russia and the need to find energy resources elsewhere, household bills may rise even higher. This may lead would-be housebuyers to hold off from purchasing as savings are needed elsewhere.
If decreased demand from homemovers were to drive down the currently astronomical price of property, this could be no bad thing for first-time buyers, but only time will tell. Things change quickly in this industry; the speed at which mortgage rates have risen in recent weeks is testament to that!
The consensus is that, while progress has been made, there’s a long way to go to achieve equality in the sector
At a time when we need things to celebrate, we happily mark International Women’s Day (8 March). Several contributors to this edition reflect on how far the mortgage industry has come in terms of equality.
Nic Firth discusses how, despite working in two traditionally male-dominated industries — finance and technology — she has never felt disadvantaged as a woman. In our analysis piece by Georgie Lee, the consensus is that, while progress has been made, there’s a long way to go to achieve equality in the sector, not just for women but for all individuals.
Of course, Ami is doing great work in striving towards a fair and diverse mortgage industry and we look forward to its next update.
Wishing you all a peaceful month. Hug each other now that you can!
Original Article
