At Puma, we believe that growth doesn’t just happen at work, and extends to enriching life experiences. We are committed to developing our people from both a professional and personal standpoint, and offer all employees an annual Personal Development Grant of £200, encouraging further learning and self-development.

The idea is simple: employees choose any activity that helps them learn, develop, or improve a skill. Whether it’s mastering a new language, taking a photography class, or learning how to roll the perfect sushi!

Here’s what some of our employees have experienced to date.

Shamim Vorajee, Financial Controller, Puma Growth Partners

Muay Thai classes

I’ve always loved martial arts and have a real passion for trying as many of them as I can. Muay Thai has been a particular focus for me recently, but it’s a demanding sport to learn in group classes where you don’t get much individual feedback, and one-to-one tuition can be expensive. Using the Personal Development Grant has allowed me to do private sessions, which has made a huge difference to my progress. I’ve been able to refine my technique, build confidence, and develop a much deeper understanding of the sport. This experience has not only improved my physical fitness but also strengthened my discipline and resilience. 

Nazmin Rafique, Portfolio Management Associate, Puma Property Finance

Piano lessons

I’ve always wanted to take piano lessons, but it was something that never quite happened. Using the Personal Development Grant gave me the opportunity to finally take up that passion and do something just for myself, alongside the busy reality of being a mum, first to one and now to two! I’m still practicing regularly, including a lot on my own, and it’s become really important 'me time' for me. It helps me relax, switch off and enjoy something creative purely for the love of it. I’m definitely no Mozart, but never say never…

Sean Davies, Hybrid Business Development Manager, Puma Investments

Clay pigeon shooting / golf lessons

I used Puma's Personal Development Grant for clay pigeon shooting and golf lessons - two activities which I wanted to get better at. Having the grant made it easy to commit, and to enjoy more. I’m really grateful the grant gives you a choice to hone your skills on an existing hobby or try something completely new, it's all up to you!

Mark Lyons, Investment Director, Puma Growth Partners

Padel lessons

Having recently joined the growing crowd of padel enthusiasts, I took the opportunity to use Puma’s Personal Development Grant for private coaching during a sunny trip to Valencia. The one to one sessions were designed to sharpen my court positioning, footwork and shot selection - and they certainly gave me plenty to work on. Whether my recent results reflect that is another matter, but the experience was rewarding and has definitely fuelled my motivation to keep improving.

Jenny Hunt, Head of Strategic Partnerships, Puma Investments

Yoga for Mums

I found a fantastic community of new Mums while on maternity leave with my daughter through a Baby Yoga class. On returning to work I really wanted to continue from the groups support, friendship and laughs. Using the Puma Personal Development Grant I signed up for a Yoga for Mums course in the evenings which gives me two hours a week just for myself. It has really helped me in so many ways including in the physical recovery from pregnancy, in finding lifelong friends and has helped with my mental health allowing me a space to share my experience of motherhood with others. It’s a real highlight of my week.

Vits Ratnarajah, Internal Business Development Manager, Puma Investments

MMA sessions

I’ve been training in martial arts for a few years, but turning it into a consistent habit has always been a challenge. Using the Puma Personal Development Grant to upgrade from group classes to 1-on-1 sessions has been a real game changer, helping me get firmly back on track. There’s nowhere to hide when it’s just you and the coach—and as a result, my technique is steadily improving!

Rahul Malde, Director, Puma Property Finance

Skiing lessons

Every year, I promised myself I’d take ski lessons to truly make the most of my trips, but I always struggled to find the time or the right spark to get started. The Personal Development Grant provided exactly the nudge I needed; the lessons proved invaluable, helping me keep my skis on the snow rather than up in the air!

James Hempston, Infrastructure Engineer, Puma Capital Group

Butchery Skill Class

I used Puma’s Personal Development Grant to take a butchery class with The Ginger Pig. As I had very recently renovated my garden and was kindly gifted a new BBQ, it was the perfect excuse to learn how to barbecue correctly! The course was very informative, helping to select cuts, use a knife safely and cook over fire with confidence. The session was hands on and practical, and I’ve already put it to use hosting a couple of BBQs. More than anything, it reminded me that development isn’t only about certificates - learning something new builds confidence and attention to detail that I carry into my day job.

Jennifer Thorn, Events Manager, Puma Capital Group

Glass making workshop

I used my personal development grant to learn a new creative skill by attending a glass‑flower making workshop in Shoreditch. It was a fantastic chance to try something completely different, and even better that a colleague joined me, making the experience both fun and memorable.