Leasing Foundation builds on Pride momentum for 2026

The Leasing Foundation will once again bring together professionals from across the asset finance industry to march at London Pride 2026, building on the momentum created by the sector’s first coordinated Pride presence last year.

A 50-strong group representing lenders, brokers, suppliers and service providers will walk together under the Foundation banner on Saturday 4 July in London, demonstrating the industry’s continued commitment to inclusion, visibility and support for LGBTQ+ colleagues, friends and families.

The initiative forms part of the Foundation’s wider equality, diversity and inclusion activity aimed at helping create a more welcoming and supportive industry environment.

Demand to take part has again been strong, with only five wristbands remaining for those wishing to join the march. Contact Jamie Thomas for more information.

This year’s initiative is being supported by a number of organisations from across the industry. Champion contributors include Shoosmiths and ALFA Systems, while Close Brothers and Novuna are supporting as ally supporters. Finance Connect, Liberty Leasing, Lombard, Praetura and Solaris Law are all supporting as Pride partners.

Shoosmiths will also sponsor the group’s pre-Pride gathering ahead of the march.

Jamie Thomas, architect at Alfa and co-lead of the initiative, said the response from the industry showed that last year’s involvement had created something meaningful for participants across the sector.

“Last year showed how much this meant to people across the sector and we wanted to build on that momentum rather than let it become a one-off moment,” he said.

“Seeing firms continue to support Pride sends a strong message that inclusion matters and that people should feel able to be themselves within our industry. We’re really proud to see the sector coming together again this year.”