Inclusive Communication: Time to ditch “Dear Sirs”

At Band Hatton Button, we believe that words matter. How we communicate reflects who we are and what we stand for. That’s why we’re proud to announce updates to our communication practices that reflect our commitment to equality, diversity, and respect.

The traditional salutation “Dear Sirs” has long been a standard in business correspondence when addressing unknown recipients. However, it’s clear that this outdated phrase no longer aligns with the values of today’s progressive and inclusive workplaces.

In its place, we are adopting “Dear All,” a modern, gender-neutral salutation that better represents the diverse world we operate in. This change is more than a procedural update—it’s a reflection of our ongoing efforts to embrace inclusivity in every aspect of our work.

Starting this week, all correspondence will reflect this update, and we encourage businesses everywhere to consider similar steps toward inclusive communication.

Inclusivity is about more than just language—it’s about recognising and celebrating individuality. As part of this initiative, we now offer our team members the option to include their pronouns in their email signatures.

This choice empowers our people to express their identities with confidence and ensures clarity and respect in every interaction. It’s a small change with a big impact, building deeper connections with colleagues, clients, and professional contacts alike.

These updates underscore our dedication to leading the way in modern, inclusive business practices. They also reflect our belief that equality, diversity, and respect aren’t just values—they’re a strategy for success.