Retention Protection Pledge
1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction
We look after some of the wealthiest and most discerning clients in the world. They have generally enjoyed great success in their professional endeavours and have assets, lifestyles or business operations that require specialist and expertise that we can offer them.
Our clients are becoming younger and younger - not by virtue of the latest in anti-ageing, but instead because (a) we are in the midst of a great wealth transition; and (b) technology entrepreneurship allows for vast fortunes to be made in a very short period of time by prescient and capable entrepreneurs.
These younger clients, as a generalisation, have a strong sense of social justice; environmental awareness and, we find, are philanthropic in different ways to their forebears.
It is important for us to meet our clients where they are - to demonstrate that these things matter to us as well and, wherever possible, to lead by example when it comes to showing much larger organisations the level of care and attention that, in our view, they ought to be giving to their environmental, social and governance agendas.
As a privately-owned business, we seek to build trust, inspire confidence and create genuine value for all of our stakeholders, not just our clients.
For us, success isn’t measured solely by profit, but also by the positive impact we are able to make on people and our planet. Setting out our purpose and reporting against our ambitions means showing everyone – our clients, our staff and our broader community – what we stand for and why we work as we do. This is particularly significant in a world where people increasingly choose to engage with companies that demonstrate authenticity and responsibility.
Similarly, our team members deserve to feel part of something meaningful. By sharing our purpose openly, we help them understand how their daily efforts fit into a bigger picture.
In this way, our purpose is our foundation for a more resilient, trusted business—one that clients want to use, and staff want to be a part of.
3. Workers
We believe in fair pay, safety and inclusiveness in the workplace and that by developing our people, we empower them to deliver better outcomes for themselves, their families, our clients and our community.
Treating our people well and involving them in our mission leads to a more motivated team, better service for clients, and long-term positive outcomes.
Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. Without their dedication, expertise, and creativity, we would struggle to deliver high-quality and innovative services. By offering fair pay, good working conditions, and opportunities for professional growth, we show our staff that we value them as individuals, not just as resources. This matters greatly to clients, who benefit from dealing with knowledgeable, confident, and caring professionals. When our team feels appreciated and secure, they bring their best selves to work—resulting in better solutions, improved communication, and higher overall client satisfaction.
It’s also important that every member of staff understands how their role connects to the organisation’s purpose. When people see how their daily efforts contribute to something meaningful—whether it’s improving lives, strengthening communities, or protecting the environment—they often become more engaged and loyal. Involving employees in decision-making, encouraging their feedback, and supporting diverse backgrounds and perspectives helps create a strong, cohesive team. This sense of belonging can reduce staff turnover, attract talented newcomers, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
In the long run, investing in our workforce pays dividends for everyone: clients receive attentive service, staff enjoy a positive workplace, and we build a stronger, more sustainable business.
4. Community
Engaging positively with our community builds trust, encourages meaningful connections, and shows clients and staff that our business cares about more than just its own interests.
Our businesses don't exist in a vacuum. We rely on the trust, goodwill, and resources of the communities in which we operate. By supporting local initiatives, treating suppliers fairly, and giving back whenever possible, we demonstrate that we are a responsible member of society.
Clients notice when we invest in the wellbeing of the community. Many appreciate that their chosen supplier respects local needs and doesn’t simply focus on its own gain. This sense of local accountability and empathy can enhance our reputation and strengthen client relationships.
From a staff perspective, community involvement can be genuinely inspiring. When employees see that their employer is making a positive difference, they often feel more motivated and proud of their work. They can form deeper connections with the people around them, learn new skills through community projects, and gain a richer understanding of wider social issues. This not only boosts morale but can also spark fresh ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
In short, focusing on the community reminds everyone—clients, staff, and ourselves—that doing good business involves being a good neighbour and good citizen. By acting in ways that improve local wellbeing, we help ensure that our business flourishes alongside the communities we care about.
5. Environment
Reducing our environmental impact shows that we value long-term sustainability, reassuring clients and staff that we’re looking after the planet and thinking about the future.
In today’s world, paying attention to environmental issues isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsibility. As a business owner, I understand that clients increasingly seek partners who respect the planet. By minimising waste, conserving energy, and using sustainable materials, we show clients that their values matter to us. This can help attract and retain customers who want to associate with organisations that take climate change and resource depletion seriously. In the long run, environmental responsibility can build trust, differentiate us in the market, and reduce risks associated with rising costs or regulatory changes.
For our staff, caring about the environment can be a point of pride. Employees who know that their workplace aims to leave a lighter footprint often feel more motivated and personally invested in the company’s success. They’re more likely to share ideas on improving efficiency, cutting emissions, or developing greener products. This collective effort not only benefits the planet but also strengthens our internal culture. Over time, reducing our environmental impact isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about ensuring the business remains resilient and adaptable in a changing world—ultimately, that’s good news for clients, staff, and everyone else who depends on a healthy environment.
6. Clients
Serving our clients ethically and thoughtfully keeps us relevant, trustworthy, and attractive to both clients and staff who value fairness and quality.
Our clients are the reason we exist, so treating them well is non-negotiable. Being honest in our marketing, clear in our communications, and reliable in our service shows that we respect their time, money, and expectations. When clients know we listen to their feedback, fix problems quickly, and continuously refine our offerings, they develop confidence in us. This loyalty can lead to repeat business, positive referrals, and a sterling reputation—assets that are crucial for long-term success.
From a staff perspective, focusing on clients means there’s a clear purpose behind daily tasks. When employees understand that their work helps people find solutions, improve their lives, or achieve their goals, they’re more likely to feel proud and engaged. This sense of contribution can make the workplace more fulfilling and encourage staff to go the extra mile. As a result, service improves further, creating a positive cycle of trust and satisfaction.
Ultimately, putting clients first doesn’t just yield financial returns. It positions our business as one that genuinely cares, helping us stand apart in a crowded marketplace. This approach reassures everyone involved—clients and staff alike—that we are here to build relationships, solve problems, and deliver consistent, meaningful value.
7. Governance & Verification
Governance
Good governance ensures our decisions are guided by fairness, transparency, and integrity, giving clients and staff confidence in how we operate.
Good governance is essential because it provides a clear structure for decision-making and accountability, showing that we take our responsibilities seriously. As a business owner, I recognise that clients expect honesty, consistency, and reliability—qualities that emerge when we have a stable framework guiding our leaders and policies. By laying out clear rules and expectations, we reduce confusion, prevent misconduct, and maintain credibility. Clients want to know that we’ll do what we say we will, and robust governance offers them that peace of mind.
For our team, having sound governance in place helps create a respectful and open working environment. When policies are applied fairly and everyone knows who is responsible for what, it becomes easier for staff to trust the direction we’re heading. This sense of clarity and integrity can improve staff engagement, as they see that the business encourages accountability from the top down. Over time, maintaining strong governance helps us build a reputation as a company that does the right thing, not just when it’s easy but also when it’s challenging. In turn, clients and employees can feel confident that our actions are always guided by honest principles, solidifying trust and long-term loyalty.
Measuring & Verifying Impact
Measuring and verifying our impact ensures we stay on track, allowing clients and staff to trust the claims we make and see proof that we keep our promises.
While it’s one thing to talk about purpose and responsibility, it’s another to prove we’re making progress. By setting clear targets, tracking performance, and using recognised standards, we show that our words aren’t empty. Clients appreciate evidence that we’re meeting our commitments, as it reassures them that we deliver genuine results rather than grand claims. When we openly share data about environmental savings, community contributions, or workforce improvements, we give clients the confidence that we’re a sound, trustworthy choice.
Likewise, our staff benefit from having reliable measures of success. When people see improvements backed by solid evidence, they know their efforts count and that we’re not just ticking boxes. Transparency in performance allows employees to identify what’s working well and where we can improve. This encourages innovation and ensures we allocate resources wisely.
Over time, honest measurement and verification help us maintain a clear direction, refine strategies, and adapt to changing circumstances. It keeps us grounded and ensures that we remain true to our purpose. In doing so, we build credibility, strengthen internal morale, and make it easier for everyone—clients, staff, and partners—to invest their energy and trust in our work.
8. Ambitions & Roadmap
Setting out future plans and goals shows that we’re committed to ongoing improvement, giving clients and staff confidence that we’ll keep growing and learning.
No business can stand still and expect to thrive. By publicly sharing our plans, goals, and timelines, we show that we’re not content to rest on our current achievements. Clients often look for organisations that adapt, evolve, and respond thoughtfully to new challenges. When we lay out a clear roadmap, we reassure them that we’re invested in the future, aware of changing market conditions, and committed to finding better ways of doing things. This forward-thinking approach can help secure their long-term support and belief in our brand.
For staff, future commitments provide a sense of direction and purpose. When employees know where we’re headed, it can inspire them to contribute ideas, develop their skills, and take on new responsibilities. This shared understanding helps maintain energy and motivation, ensuring that we never become complacent. Instead, we continually learn from both successes and setbacks, refining our strategies to create even more positive impact.
In the end, a clear roadmap doesn’t just help us stay competitive; it also reinforces the trust we’ve built with those who rely on us. By looking ahead and preparing for tomorrow, we show that our purpose isn’t just about the present—it’s about shaping a better future for everyone involved.