United Kingdom: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The London Real Estate Forum, 2026, held at City of London Guildhall, shared many interesting insights into the world of real estate, both commercial and residential and development alongside the importance of the public and private sectors working together.

Accent bias shapes workplace perceptions in ways most people don't consciously acknowledge, affecting everything from recruitment decisions to career progression. Research reveals that 76% of interviewers admit to being influenced by a candidate's accent, with Northern and Midlands accents consistently ranked lowest in prestige. This episode explores the real-world impact of accent discrimination and examines practical interventions employers can implement to address this pervasive form of prejudice.

Shepherd and Wedderburn has been recognized as Legal Firm of the Year at the British Business Awards 2026, an accolade celebrating outstanding performance in business success, innovation, workplace culture, customer impact and societal contribution.