Davidsons Homes Drives Forward with Tusker

Davidsons Homes drives forward with Tusker: prioritising employee retention and smarter benefits

Delivering a flexible, tax-efficient car benefit scheme with clear returns for employees and the business alike.

Davidsons Homes an award-winning family-run housebuilder with a strong Midlands heritage, is known for its quality, character and craftsmanship. Their new salary sacrifice car scheme with Tusker reflects a forward-thinking focus on wellbeing – delivering valued benefits, reducing costs, and reinforcing a culture where employees feel part of something better.

Christian O’Connell, Finance Director at Davidsons, tells us about the decision-making process, early experiences, and what makes the Tusker partnership stand out.

Why a Car Benefit Scheme – and Why Now?

“We’ve probably been a little slow in joining the party,” admits Christian. But the rationale was clear: “It has a number of benefits for our business. First and foremost, it supports employee retention, which is critical in our niche marketplace.”

Equally compelling were the financial advantages. Davidsons recognised that a salary sacrifice scheme could deliver both employee savings and employer National Insurance contributions, enhancing the total value of the benefit.
“It’s a bit of a win-win,” Christian explains.

Choosing Tusker: Partnership, Flexibility, and Confidence.

Davidsons conducted thorough research, exploring other providers’ options before ultimately selecting Tusker. A key factor was their trusted relationship with Lloyds Banking Group and Commercial Banking support – Tusker’s integrated connection through Lloyds added confidence.

But what really set Tusker apart was flexibility and reassurance around early termination. “There was always a nervousness,” says Christian, “that we’d be left with cars and lease costs if employees left.” Tusker’s risk protection model, with clearly defined exit terms, helped eliminate that fear.

“It feels like a no-brainer,” Christian reflects. “We should have been looking at this years ago.”

 

A Personal Perspective: “I Couldn’t Be Happier”

As both an employer and a driver, Christian brings a unique viewpoint. Formerly behind the wheel of a diesel-powered BMW X5, he’s now enjoying the benefits of an electric vehicle through Tusker.

“I was putting £600 a month into diesel. Now, I spend about £100 on electricity—and the car is fully taxed, insured, serviced, MOT’d, and includes tyres. One simple monthly amount comes out of my salary and I don’t worry about a thing.”

Importantly, there’s no need for a hefty upfront deposit or personal finance arrangement: “I haven’t had to spend £15,000 on a deposit or pay £1,000 a month like I would have had to on PCP. It’s fantastic value.”

Positive Internal Momentum

Since launch, the uptake has been strong, with around 25 of the company’s 150 employees already driving or awaiting delivery of their cars through the scheme. Many more are expected to follow as personal leasing agreements expire, as more than 100 employees have already logged into the scheme to take a look.

Looking Ahead

The Tusker scheme is already proving itself—helping Davidsons retain skilled talent, save on costs, and offer employees a greener, more affordable way to drive. As Christian concludes: “It’s great. I picked a car with the longest range for the best price, and I’m delighted.”

With strong early adoption and a positive cultural fit, the future of sustainable travel and employee-focused benefits at Davidsons Homes looks brighter than ever.

Drive forward with Tusker.