Fifty years ago society’s reverence for the professional classes was almost a given, but those days are gone. Restrictive practices and a reluctance to accept reform have contributed to a loss of public trust and respect. Lawyers and doctors don’t stand on the pedestal they once did. When companies such as BHS and Carillion go down, for example, blame is often placed on accountants – professional accreditations notwithstanding.That professions have moved with the times is not in any doubt, however, in their embrace of the market (along with its often high rewards), have the professions now opened themselves to criticism previously levelled at mere business people?