Asset finance industry to march together at Pride in 2025 debut

For the first time ever, the UK’s asset finance and leasing industry will participate in London Pride as a united front, with 50 professionals and allies set to march on Saturday 5th July under the banner of the Leasing Foundation.

Led by the Leasing Foundation’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) group, this moment marks a bold step toward a more visible, connected, and inclusive industry. The initiative has drawn widespread support from across the sector, bringing together firms of all sizes under a shared commitment to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion.

A visible step towards change

“It’s not just about walking at Pride – it’s about showing what kind of industry we want to be. One where everyone feels welcome.”

Murphy, who helped establish Alfa’s LGBTQ+ network and now leads LGBTQ+ efforts within the Leasing Foundation, described the march as a culmination of over five years of groundwork, events, and community building.

Building an inclusive platform

Initially conceived as a way to support companies that lacked the resources or community size to participate in Pride independently, the march offers a collaborative platform. “We wanted to give smaller firms or those new to this space a way to dip their toe in the water,” Murphy explained. “It’s also a chance for the industry to present a unified front and for LGBTQ+ individuals across different firms to connect and feel part of something.”

With 50 marching spaces filled quickly, the Foundation saw enthusiastic engagement from a growing list of partners and supporters, including:

Champion contributors:

• Alfa
• Troutman Pepper Locke

Ally supporters:

• Close Brothers
• Propel Finance
• Shoosmiths

Pride partners:

• Asset Finance Connect
• Auxillias
• DLL
• Funding Xchange
• Liberty Leasing
• Lombard
• Novuna
• Solaris

From concept to reality

What began as a hope within the EDI group has evolved into one of the most visible moments of progress for the industry’s inclusion efforts. The EDI group, originally formed to address gender diversity, has over the years expanded its remit to include LGBTQ+, racial diversity, disability awareness and mental health.

“It started as a bit of a ‘pie in the sky’ idea,” Murphy admitted. “We weren’t sure we’d have the numbers or the backing. But over the years, through events and honest conversations – recently around trans inclusion – we’ve built a strong community. Now, we’re seeing that effort pay off.”

A broader impact

For Murphy and many others, the initiative is more than symbolic. It sends a message to current and future industry professionals, particularly as questions of company culture become more common in recruitment.

“Candidates are asking tough questions in interviews – what’s your stance on inclusion? What’s the culture like?” said Murphy. “It matters that we can point to real action, not just intentions. This is one of those actions.”

Looking ahead, Murphy envisions more participation, bigger events, and greater visibility, including the possibility of a float at future Prides. But he’s equally focused on the day-to-day change this could spark.

“If companies without LGBTQ+ groups see this and are inspired to create their own networks, that’s a win,” he said. “And if they need help, we’re here. We want this to grow.”

A vision for the future

Asked what an inclusive asset finance industry looks like, Murphy is clear: “It’s one where different forms of diversity are represented at all levels, including in senior leadership. Not just a few visible individuals, but where representation is the norm, not the exception.”

The march on 5 July won’t just be a celebration. It’s a moment to reflect, connect, and make space – both literally and figuratively – for every identity in asset finance.

“It’s time we reshape the perception of our industry,” Murphy said. “Because when you actually look around, it’s more vibrant, more diverse, and more open than many think. Pride is our chance to show that to the world – and to each other.”