Awareness around neurodiversity is improving, but the narrative of it as an obstacle to success, rather than a driver of it, needs to change.

Recent research by Barclays revealed a shocking 96% of neurodiverse business founders said they face discrimination due to their neurodiversity, with almost half reporting experiencing it either ‘regularly’ or ‘always’.

Moreover, 78% said they have felt compelled to actively hide their neurodivergence in business settings.

These findings bring to light the extent to which neurodiverse folk feel they cannot be their true, authentic selves in their day-to-day lives.

It’s perhaps not unsurprising, therefore, that two thirds of respondents reported struggling to find traditional employment prior to launching their business precisely because of their neurodivergence. I can relate, and this is as sad as it is harmful to business.

True innovation is realised when challenges are approached through a rich tapestry of diverse minds and discordant thought

Ideas upon which the most innovative companies are based so often germinate from the fertile minds of those who process the world a little differently – we should be unstinting in our ambition to empower them to flourish.

Imagine a world where every mind thinks alike, follows the same paths and solves problems in the same way. It might sound like a utopia of harmony but, in reality, it would likely be a dystopia of stagnation and echo chambers. True innovation is realised when challenges are approached through a rich tapestry of diverse minds and discordant thought.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to innovate and solve complex problems is no longer just a competitive edge: it can be a necessity for survival. The demand for creative and unconventional thinking has never been more evident, and neurodiversity – the recognition of varied neurological conditions and ways of processing the world – may be one of an organisation’s most underutilised assets.

Rather than being the dastardly villains they’ve been portrayed as, the pirates who sailed during the Golden Age of Piracy were an inclusive and fair community

I have been re-watching the Pirates of the Caribbean films with my son (any excuse!) and was reminded of the marvellous book Be More Pirate by Sam Conniff.

It’s a manifesto, if you will, of how to buck the trend, overthrow the normal way of doing things, zig where others zag, and get stuff done to have a positive impact in the world. Conniff draws on the past as inspiration – namely the so-called Golden Age of Piracy between 1650 and 1720 – to positively challenge some of our ingrained myopia when it comes to the workplace and best business practice.

It may come as a surprise that rather than being the dastardly villains they’ve often been portrayed as, the pirates who sailed during the Golden Age of Piracy were an inclusive and fair community. These pirates lived by a strict code that focused on justice and equality for all. Yes, they were also a bit naughty sometimes, but just stick to the code for now!

For example, any pirate injured in battle received a payout from the ship’s shared pot of money – 800 pieces of eight for a lost leg, 600 for a lost arm and 100 for a lost eye. Pirate communities operated as democracies at a time when many people were excluded from having their say.

They didn’t just challenge the status quo, they changed every flipping thing

Same-sex marriage was accepted and celebrated aboard pirate ships. Surviving records from the 1690s onwards reveal all members of pirate crews were given a vote, including women. It would be another 240 years for women to get the vote in the UK. These pirates — men and women from multiple nations and backgrounds — weren’t afraid to change how things had always been when they realised how things could be.

What’s so profound and potent about the 18th century pirates who outwitted the navy for the best part of 30 years, is that they didn’t just break rules in purposeless anarchy, they fundamentally rewrote them. They didn’t just reject a society, they re-imagined it. And they didn’t just challenge the status quo, they changed every flipping thing.

We’re increasingly too wedded to unproven short-term models, and I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say we have a homogenisation problem. We have a bunch of people that dress the same, that talk the same, that do the same things. That is killing innovation. Innovation doesn’t happen in environments where groupthink is happening.

If we were all a bit more pirate the world in which we work would be a whole heap more inclusive, productive, innovative and, dare I say, fun!?

The inclusion of neurodiverse talent can not only combat the risk of groupthink but can also propel organisations toward groundbreaking and unconventional ideas. Breaking free from conformity can help achieve sustained competitive advantage, enhanced problem solving, improved employee satisfaction and resilient organisational culture.

Breaking down traditional hierarchies creates more inclusive environments, and pirates were surprisingly ahead of their times in terms of diversity, equity and inclusivity. It was because pirates existed in the shadows, in the margins of society — overthrowing societal conventions and creating their own counterculture.

I don’t know about you but I can’t help think that if we were all a bit more pirate (with some obvious caveats!) then the world in which we work would be a whole heap more inclusive, productive, innovative and, dare I say, fun!?

By breaking down these barriers, organisations can drive toward establishing a more innovative workforce

Addressing these issues requires a proactive approach from both individuals and organisations. Increasing awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, including the different thinking and learning styles of neurodiverse professionals, as well as fostering an inclusive workplace culture, are crucial steps towards ensuring neurodiverse professionals are not only recognised but celebrated for their contributions.

By breaking down these barriers, organisations can drive toward establishing a more innovative workforce, fuelled by the boundless creativity and problem-solving prowess of true diversity.

Embracing neurodiversity isn’t merely a nod to inclusivity; it’s a shift towards unleashing the full potential of human ingenuity and it should be considered a collective responsibility to help champion these talents that may be hidden.

Phil Wickenden is founder of Ad Lucem

MARTIN Lewis has issued a warning to those aged between 45 and 73 ahead of an important HMRC deadline.

The financial guru told listeners of his podcast they should “sit up and listen” about the importance of buying National Insurance (NI) years to boost their state pension.

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To qualify for any state pension, you need a minimum of 10 years’ worth of NI contributions, and 35 years are required to receive the full amount.

If you took a career break you may have gaps in your NI record, which could reduce your entitlement.

However, workers can choose to buy years they were missing to ensure they meet the full qualifying years for the state pension.

Martin said an important deadline is approaching for those aged 40 to 73 to buy back years to help top up their state pension.

People have until April 2025 to buy back any missing NI years from the period 2006-2016.

Usually, there are strict time limits on buying back these years.

But when the new state pension was introduced in 2016, it was relaxed to help people with the transition.

This was supposed to end in April 2023 but was extended until April 2024.

However, from May 2025, you will only be able to buy back six tax years starting from 2019.

While there are six months to go, Martin said people should act fast, especially those aged between 40 and 73.

That is because anyone under 73 can make voluntary pension contributions, as it’s expected everyone under this age will claim the new state pension.

He said: “[People] between the age of 40 and 73 should be checking whether it is right for them, and you should be doing it now.

“Don’t become a deadline buster, where you’re doing it on the last day, get it done sooner.”

You have to pay money to buy back National Insurance years, with the figure for a full year usually costing £825.

The money-saving pro added that if you are just missing a week off a full year you can pay around £15 to ensure you are not missing out.

He added: “Some people might find they have a partial year, and it’s, therefore, a lot cheaper.

“This becomes even more lucrative in their case, to make sure they just get over that final hurdle and do a full year.”

Martin said people who pay £825 or less to buy National Insurance years, many gain up to £5,400.

This can rise to well over £10,000, with one listener sharing how she bought back seven years and gained £50,000 pounds.

How to top up National Insurance contributions and how much you can get

Buying back missing years can be really valuable, but it can be costly.

For example, if you fill gaps between 2006/07 and 2015/16, you’ll pay the 2022/23 rates for contributions.

It is worth £15.85 a week, which means it costs £824.20 to buy one year of contributions.

As the state pension was £185.15 per week in 2022/23, this boost would add £5.29 per week or around £275 per year. 

Although you’d have to pay £8,242 (10 lots of £824.20), the annual state pension boost would be around £2,750.

Someone who was retired for 20 years would get back around £55,000 in total (before tax).

Anyone under 73 can make voluntary pension contributions, as it’s assumed everyone under this age will claim the new state pension.

If you’re below the state pension age, you can check your state pension forecast by visiting www.gov.uk/check-state-pension to determine if you’ll benefit from paying voluntary contributions.

You can also contact the Future Pension Centre by calling 0800 731 0175.

If you’ve reached state pension age, contact the Pension Service to find out if you’ll benefit from voluntary contributions.

You can contact this service in several different ways by visiting www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service.

You can usually pay voluntary contributions for the past six years.

The deadline is April 5 each year.

For example, you have until April 5, 2030, to compensate for gaps in the tax year 2023 to 2024.

The deadline has been extended for making voluntary contributions for the tax years 2016 to 2017 or 2017 to 2018.

You now have until April 5, 2025, to pay.

Find out how to pay for your contributions by visiting www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance.

Investing strategies for your 30s

When you reach your 30s, investing is a great way to expand your finances and make sure you are doing everything you can for your future. If you have already started, then there could be ways to improve your investment strategies. If you are a beginner investor in your 30s then this will help you find the strategies for you.  

If you are a beginner to investing, then you can find out how it works here. 

A study by robo-advisor Personal Capital found that the average age people begin investing is 33.3 years. It’s important to understand that starting now can significantly impact your financial future. The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow through the power of compound interest. Compounding can exponentially increase your returns over time, making it one of the most effective strategies for wealth accumulation. Use our compound interest calculator.

Your 30s are a pivotal time to establish or refine your investment strategies. By understanding your limits, seeking diversification, clarifying your goals, considering homeownership, investing in stocks with just a little risk and committing to regular reviews, you can create a strong financial foundation for your future. Starting now will set you on the path to achieving your financial aspirations, no matter when you begin. 

So, take a look at some key investing strategies for your 30s. 

Check out Investing strategies for your 20s.

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View more on these topicsAdvisers Podcast

In this episode of The Weekend Essay, Amanda Newman Smith discusses the challenge of balancing old clients while attracting new ones. She compares the marketing of The Cure’s new album with the financial advice industry, noting the importance of evolving without losing loyal customers. Amanda also highlights the difficulties young advisers face entering the field, as firms often hesitate to hire them due to their limited experience. She argues that supporting younger talent is crucial for the future of the profession and maintaining a healthy client base. Listen now:

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SPOTTING this iconic Christmas character on a 50p coin could make it worth 21 times its face value.

Each year, The Royal Mint releases a 50p coin featuring Raymond Briggs’ beloved festive character, The Snowman.

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Over the past seven years, the UK’s official producer of coins has released a new 50p featuring the cartoon.

Since 2018, around 700,000 Snowman coins have been snapped up by collectors worldwide, making it a firm favourite amongst collectors.

Its latest design has already been released and features The Snowman putting a star on top of the Christmas tree.

The coins won’t be entering general circulation, meaning you will have to buy one from The Royal Mint website.

But coin collection professionals at Change Checker have said that previous editions of the 50p can sell for a pretty penny on sites such as eBay.

For example, the Royal Mint’s 2018 edition of The Snowman coin, which features the iconic image of him flying in the sky, sold for £10.50 this Ocotber.

The 2019 edition, depicting the lovable cartoon as he comes to life, sold for £10.99 this month also.

A full breakdown of how much each sold for on eBay this month can be seen below.

• 2018 – £10.50
• 2019 -£10.99
• 2020 -£9.57
• 2021 – £8.99
• 2022 -£8.94
• 2023 -£8.99

Experts at Change Checker said: “The Snowman 50ps can fetch a pretty penny on the secondary market, with the 2018 and 2019 editions selling for up to 21 times their face value. “

“If this data is anything to go by, the 2024 The Snowma 50p is sure to be popular with collectors.”

However, it is important to remember that a coin is only worth how much a buyer is willing to pay for it.

So if you are keen to flog one of your pieces online you should keep that in mind.

Character coins are a fan favourite amongst collectors.

You may have seen recently The Royal Mint released a 50p coin featuring the Gruffalo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its books.

The Sun recently rounded up a full list of quirky rare coins that could be worth £356, which you can check out here.

How much can I buy the new Snowman coin for?

You can purchase the Snowman coins from The Royal Mint website.

Prices start from £12 for a brilliant uncirculated coin and £25 for a colour version, all the way up to £1,220 for a gold proof coin.

Collectors are also already listing the coins on eBay.

At the moment you can find one of the brilliant uncirculated 50p coins listed for £9.49 and the coloured version for £14.99.

Also listed on the bidding site is a silver-proof coin for £109.50.

You should bear in mind that if you can still buy the coin directly from The Royal Mint website then it is unlikely you will get much more for it on eBay.

Usually, collectors buy these limited edition coins in the hope that they will go up in value as there is only a certain number of them available, but this is not always the case.

How to spot rare coins and banknotes

Rare coins and notes hiding down the back of your sofa could sell for hundreds of pounds.

If you are lucky enough to find a rare £10 note you might be able to sell it for multiple times its face value.

You can spot rare notes by keeping an eye out for the serial numbers.

These numbers can be found on the side with the Monarch’s face, just under the value £10 in the corner of the note.

Also if you have a serial number on your note that is quite quirky you could cash in thousands.

For example, one seller bagged £3,600 after spotting a specific serial number relating to the year Jane Austen was born on one of their notes.

You can check if your notes are worth anything on eBay, just tick “completed and sold items” and filter by the highest value.

It will give you an idea of what people are willing to pay for some notes.

But do bear in mind that yours is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.

This is also the case for coins, you can determine how rare your coin is by looking a the latest scarcity index.

The next step is to take a look at what has been recently sold on eBay.

Experts from Change Checker recommend looking at “sold listings” to be sure that the coin has sold for the specified amount rather than just been listed.

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SHOPPERS are furious after Morrisons installed a buzzer to alert staff if they want to buy champagne.

Bottles costing from as little as £31 up to Bollinger and Moet items worth £50 have been placed in a glass security cabinet in a store in the upmarket town of Fleet, Hampshire.

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But bottles of slightly cheaper Prosecco costing up to £25 have been left out.

Expensive wines and spirits have not been given the same treatment.

There is a button on the cabinet which reads “Press here for help.”

A sign above it adds: “Buzz for booze! To purchase Champagne or spirits from the cabinet, ask one of our colleagues or press the call-point.”

Fleet was previously voted the healthiest, happiest and wealthiest place in the UK to live.

It has a very low crime rate with just 19 cases of shoplifting in August – the most recent published figures – for a population of 37,794.

The average house price in the commuter town is £530,923, as reported on NeedToKnow.

Bubbly-loving local shoppers reacted with bemusement.

Claudio said: “Alcohol sales will drop for sure.

“No one will be a**ed to wait for lazy staff to come round.”

Karen added: “Good luck with getting anyone to answer the buzzer.”

But others said it was in keeping with shoplifting across the country.

Daniel said: “Well, if people will be d***s, actions must be taken.”

Kenneth added: “Some idiots spoil it.”

Anne said: “Sad sign of the times.”

A Morrisons spokesman told The Sun: “The cabinets you have seen are being used in a number of our stores as part of their security measures, as are others across the industry.

“We have received good feedback from customers and have a colleague in the area and the buzzer also goes to the store headsets so customers can expect really prompt service.”

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