Within the bridging industry, people are always keen to talk about the deals they’ve done, the partnerships they’ve made, and their activity within the market. What the industry is less likely to recognise, however, is something known as ‘corporate responsibility’.

Bridging & Commercial thought perhaps it was time to remedy the industry’s lack of recognition of charity works, so we took a closer look at how certain lenders encourage community growth and development through their own corporate activities.

The practice of corporate responsibility involves organisations embracing responsibility for their company’s actions, by helping communities and individuals within the public sphere.

Many of the lenders we spoke to explained that, because their companies were so small, they did not practice corporate responsibility per se. Instead, directors and employees within the companies practised their own charitable work, often in schools or coaching sports.

Specialist lender the Blemain Group, based in Manchester, is well known for its charitable endeavours. Earlier this year, the company launched an initiative called the Supporting the Community Committee, aimed at providing opportunities to allow its 400 staff to get involved in community projects.

The Blemain Group said: “As a business, corporate responsibility is at the fabric of our company culture, which is evident with the formation of the Supporting the Community Committee by a cross-section of staff volunteers.

“We have always been active in supporting worthwhile causes and we are committed to giving something back to our local community.”

The company explained a bit more about the type of project it gets involved with. “Since the launch, the committee has provided a toy donation appeal for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and have since continued this relationship by supporting the hospital’s Many Hands Campaign.

“The Committee has also identified Ladybarn Community Centre in Fallowfield, Manchester, as a worthy cause. Volunteers have been getting involved with the Youth Motivation Project at the Ladybarn Community Centre to help young, disadvantaged teens into the other work.”

Another lender who believes in corporate responsibility is development lender Regentsmead. James Bloom, the company’s CEO, explained about Regentsmead’s involvement with its charity Rosetrees, which funds medical research. He said: “We feel it is vital and very important to give something back.”

The Blemain Group agreed: “Engaging with these charitable projects offers staff the opportunity to contribute to deserving causes that they would not normally be aware of. It’s fun and rewarding, and it makes a real difference to the local community.”

West One Loans also take corporate social responsibility seriously. Duncan Kreeger, Chairman, explained: “West One takes corporate responsibility very seriously and constantly monitors that we are not only in active compliance with the law, but also with its spirit and ethical standards.

“We also ensure we make a positive impact on the environment and on our other stakeholders including our employees and our broker partners.

“We deliberately include corporate responsibility into our corporate decision-making, too, so that it’s at the core business of the company. This is not about window-dressing. It’s fundamental to how West One operates.”

Duncan Kreeger told us a bit more about the type of ‘giving back’ his company engages in. “We encourage growth and development in the local community. Most recently, we sponsored a local football club, FC Team, based here in Borehamwood.

“The company is also sponsoring me to run a marathon in December (more information here