Cornel Hrisca-Munn, VP for Accessibility at BlackRock on how accessibility creates better products, experiences, and outcomes for everyone.
We recently spoke to Cornel Hrisca-Munn, Vice President for Accessibility at BlackRock, to understand why accessibility should sit at the heart of business strategy. Having worked across built environments and digital platforms, to inclusive hiring practices and cultural change in both the private and public sectors, Cornel brings a well of experience to the conversation.
The Purple Pound refers to the spending power of disabled people, and their wider network, in the UK – something that many businesses are losing out on due to inaccessible websites or poor in-store experiences.
“It’s a huge number [the Purple Pound] – estimated at over £275 billion a year. That’s a wake-up call for businesses, especially when we consider the high proportion of disabled consumers who will walk away from a company that doesn’t cater to their needs.”
When viewed in line with this staggering figure, accessibility becomes more than an ethical consideration – it is a huge determining factor in the success of a business. Cornel concludes the interview with one simple, powerful tip for ensuring an effective accessibility strategy: Ensure you have the right people, in the right positions of power.
“My top tip: Bookend it. Senior sponsorship plus lived experience at the heart of delivery”.
Watch the 3 minute interview below to find out what Cornel means by this, and for further detail on the Purple Pound.
If you’d like to learn more about accessibility and inclusion within the financial sector, join us at the FTT Fintech Festival (10th – 11th November) in London.
