Exploring neurodiversity in the workplace

Dan Armitage, CEO and co-founder of Neuro Sparks Business Solutions, has appeared as a guest on the Financial Planner Life podcast, in an episode recorded alongside David Tait of Redmill Advance and hosted by Sam Oakes.

The episode explores what neurodiversity means for both individuals and employers, unpacks the different types of neurodiversity, and looks at the value a neurodiverse workforce can bring to any organisation. The conversation is aimed at financial planning firms and advisers looking to build more inclusive workplaces, as well as anyone wanting a clearer understanding of neurodiversity in a professional setting.

Neuro Sparks is a Burnley-based neurodiversity training, coaching, consultancy and screening company, co-founded by Dan Armitage and Valerie Armitage in May 2023. The business delivers neurodiversity training at foundations, people manager and senior leadership levels, alongside one-to-one coaching, neurodiversity screening, and Access to Work support, and has worked with organisations including Sky, HSBC, Regatta and Burnley College. Neuro Sparks is also a long-standing training partner of Redmill Advance, having developed e-learning content together.

Financial Planner Life is a podcast for the financial planning profession, covering topics ranging from mindset and wellbeing to diversity and inclusion, with the aim of sparking conversations on subjects the industry doesn't always discuss openly. It is hosted by Sam Oakes.

As part of the conversation, Neuro Sparks highlighted a comprehensive report on neurodiversity in the workplace, commissioned by Neuro Sparks and produced by the Allied Health Research Unit in partnership with the University of Lancashire's Innovation Partnership in March 2025. Funded by the UK Government, the 36-page report offers research and practical guidance for employers, and is available on request from Neuro Sparks.

Dan Armitage, CEO and co-founder at Neuro Sparks, said: "Neurodiversity is one of the most important conversations happening in workplaces today, and financial planning is no exception. Sitting down with David and Sam gave us the chance to talk honestly about what neurodiversity really means for employers and individuals, and why a neurodiverse workforce is such a genuine asset. Whether you're an employer trying to build a more inclusive workplace or someone trying to understand neurodiversity better, I hope this episode gives you something practical to take away."

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