Corporate & Social Responsibility

The Group is committed to upholding its social responsibility. The Group endeavours in all its office locations to be an active member of the local business community. Employees in the Group’s regional offices attend local meetings of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Securities Institute, and of the various organisations in the Midlands, to promote the professional, financial and business services in the region.

The Group also encourages staff to use their talents for charitable purposes and where appropriate matches amounts raised by staff for charitable purposes in support of their endevours.

The Group adheres to the FSA principles of business and follows their rules and guidance on appropriate behaviour as well as guidance provided by the UK Listing Authority and other regulatory bodies under which the Group acts. Furthermore, the Group is committed to extending its ethical obligations beyond regulatory compliance as regards to conduct in its relations with its stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, advisors, and shareholders.

Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”)
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues will be regularly considered by the Board to identify, assess and manage the significant risks and opportunities affecting the Group’s long and short-term value arising from its handling of ESG matters, as well as opportunities to enhance value that may arise from an appropriate response. The Group’s approach to ESG issues reflect our businesses as a service provider and investment bank. The Board takes account of the significance of environmental, social and governance matters on the business of the Company. It has processes in place to identify and mitigate all material risks to the short and long-term value of the Group, and is always seeking to enhance value by wholly reasonable means.

The Environment
The Board considers the Group makes the appropriate provision for environmental issues appropriate to the size of the Group and the financial services sector in which it operates. The Group has a formal environmental policy, which is available to all employees through the Group intranet site. Our policy includes the implementation of reasonable measures to comply with relevant environmental legislation, that appropriate steps are taken to minimise negative environmental impacts and to conserve natural resources, the development of appropriate and comprehensive procedures and guidelines to achieve our objectives and that appropriate forms of instruction, information, training and supervision are made available to enable employees to assist us in meeting our objectives.

Health and Safety
The Group takes its responsibilities to ensure the Health and Safety of its staff and any visitors to its offices seriously. It is the policy of the Group and its associated companies to comply with the terms of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and any subsequent legislation and also to provide and maintain a healthy and safe working environment. The Group endeavours to minimise the number of instances of occupational accidents and illnesses and to ultimately achieve an accident-free workplace. In addition, the Group recognises and accepts the duty to protect the health and safety of all visitors to its premises, including contractors and temporary workers, as well as any members of the public who might be affected by our operations. It also conducts due diligence on contractors to ensure that they adhere to suitable Heath and Safety standards. Another key aspect of ensuring that the Group's policies and procedures are appropriate and in line with current laws, rules and regulations is the establishment of a Health and Safety testing and monitoring programme. To this end, the Group have appointed a specialist Health and Safety consultant. Health and Safety is considered by the Board at least on an annual basis.