ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance)
As an equal opportunities employer, Tuscan Capital is committed to ensuring that an employee's age, gender, race, religion, or sex are never factors that adversely influence our treatment of employees, clients, or any individual involved with our business activities.
As a responsible lender, Tuscan Capital adheres to the highest ethical standards when providing our uniquely tailored service to clients.
Amongst lending professionals, the fact that borrowers must be treated fairly is a given. However, our stringent responsible lending standards go even further to ensure that we only ever lend to individuals or businesses that can demonstrate both the ability and willingness to repay their loans in full and on time.
TUSCAN TREES INITIATIVE:
We are delighted to announce the launch of Tuscan Trees, an initiative made in partnership with Trees for Life.
Tuscan Capital has committed to planting a tree for every £100,000 of capital lent as a part of a scheme that we hope can have a long-lasting positive impact within Glen Affric, a National Nature Reserve set deep within the Scottish Highlands close to the fabled Loch Ness.
The trees planted will contribute to 153 tons of carbon being offset for every acre of woodland (153 hectares = 50,000 tons).
Whilst the benefits of carbon offsetting from the trees planted are clear, we hope that the revitalisation of the surrounding areas can continue to bring far-reaching positives to the area.
Our chosen mix of species native to the area encourages natural processes and promotes both biodiversity and the movement of wildlife, leading to a local ecosystem that is balanced and diverse.
chosen Charity – The Passage
Tuscan Capital is a proud supporter of The Passage, a charity dedicated to preventing street homelessness by intervening quickly before individuals reach crisis points. We initiated our partnership with them in November 2023 and have since organized numerous fundraising initiatives to support their cause, which holds a special place in our hearts.
The Passage envisions a society where street homelessness no longer exists, and everyone has a place to call home. As a Vincentian organisation, they strive to be inclusive, encompassing a diverse and rich culture from their clients, volunteers, staff, supporters, and partners. They aspire to be a beacon of hope, aspiration, change, and innovation, rooted in values that extend back over 400 years.
In January 2024 the team lent a hand in the kitchen, aiding in both food preparation and service, facilitating the provision of over 100 meals. Community Lunches have been a cherished tradition at The Passage's Resource Centre for the past 40 years, located in the heart of Westminster.
Tuscan Capital will continue supporting The Passage with various fundraising events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those. We will also return to the kitchen for another shift later in the year.
other CHARITY initiatives we have supported in the past
Tuscan Capital proudly partnered with 'StrongMen' from 2021 to 2023. We supported this charity through various initiatives and were extremely humbled to have been a part of their mission. We continuously follow them and their goals, ensuring our ongoing commitment to their cause.
StrongMen offers services, peer support, counselling, and a wider network of help dedicated to men struggling with bereavement. They take direct action, with volunteers and employees working tirelessly to help struggling men and their families rebuild their lives following personal tragedy.
In September 2021, the ever-energetic Tuscan Capital team undertook a 25km “Across the Thames Bridges” walk in central London in support of StrongMen. We raised over £3,000 in donations and sponsorships through that event.
Tuscan Capital also supported StrongMen’s inaugural black-tie Gala Dinner held aboard HMS Belfast, the battle-honoured WW2 Royal Navy cruiser now permanently moored between London Bridge and Tower Bridge as a floating museum.
The Gala Dinner had become an annual fundraising event and our representation and support in 2021 helped raise a further £1,500 for the charity - a feat of which we’re very proud of.
MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
At Tuscan Capital, we take the issue of mental health very seriously. As a small team of 15 people, we work closely together and as work friends, and colleagues, we are sensitive to emotional and mental struggles and recognise some of the signs when one of the team is having a tough time mentally.
We all feel anxious from time to time. Anxiety is a natural response to the uncertain world around us. For example, in the current cost-of-living crisis, more than a third of adults feel anxious about their financial situation.
As a company, we are committed to promoting a culture that priorities the mental and emotional wellbeing of our team. Some of the initiatives we have already implemented include:
- Flexible working to help improve work/life balance.
- Wellbeing Champion: In addition to her role as Underwriting Manager, Jade Arnold-Brown has taken the crucially important position as our Wellbeing Champion. We hope to help our team - especially when they need it the most, by providing resources and arranging activities that help improve health and wellbeing.
- MHFA Training: We have one employee who is a qualified Mental Health First Aider, we have future plans to increase the number of qualified Mental Health First Aiders in our team.
If you would like to learn more about anxiety or feel you need any support, please visit the Mental Health Foundation.