Sumillion is proud to announce that Thomas Manners, our VP and Sales Director, has been honoured with the Sustainability Unsung Hero award at the CRN Sustainability in Tech Awards 2025. This prestigious accolade recognises Thomas’ unwavering commitment to driving Sumillion’s ethical and sustainable ethos since co-founding the company.
Nine years ago, Thomas and his father set out to create an IT reseller with a difference—one that would champion sustainability long before it became a mainstream concern in the IT industry. Sumillion’s success, both commercially and in terms of sustainability, is largely due to Thomas’ forward-thinking approach. Our vendor partnerships are built on shared environmental values, attracting both customers and partners because of our ethical stance.
A defining aspect of Thomas’ impact has been his ability to foster talent from within the organisation. He launched the Green Academy, a programme designed to train six people from outside the IT industry into Account Director positions. This initiative not only highlights Thomas’ dedication to personal development but also reflects Sumillion’s broader culture of promoting from within. We aim to build long-term careers, giving employees a strong sense of purpose, belonging, and progression within the company. Our commitment to well-being and growth has earned us recognition as the No. 1 Best Workplace in the UK, as well as top rankings for development and well-being—reinforcing the unique work environment that Thomas has helped to create.
In 2019, Thomas led a company trip to Ghana, where the team helped construct water wells to bring clean water to rural communities. These wells now serve over 40,000 people, significantly reducing waterborne diseases and parasites. In addition to the water wells, we’ve initiated ICT projects in rural schools and our Women’s Empowerment Project in Ghana, which provides resources for women to gain financial independence, particularly those caring for families on their own. The impact of these projects has been profound, helping to transform lives in tangible ways.
To further these efforts, our main charity partner To Live In HOPE, of which Thomas is a Trustee, oversees our ongoing projects in Ghana and directs resources to where they can make the most impact. The charity’s work continues to expand, from building infrastructure to supporting educational initiatives. Sumillion’s ability to quickly support charitable efforts is one of our strengths, made possible by Thomas’ readiness to seize opportunities to help where we can. As a young and agile company, we are able to act swiftly in both charitable and business matters, responding quickly to market conditions and emerging needs.
Locally, Thomas has also championed our plant-based and ethical principles. In line with our commitment to sustainability, Sumillion recently opened a vegan café to serve both the community and our staff. This initiative further reflects our dedication to aligning our everyday operations with our core values, promoting plant-based living for the benefit of both animals and the environment.
Sumillion’s ethical approach has resonated strongly with our customers and partners. Many of them choose to stay with us not just because of the services we offer, but because they believe in our mission to create a more sustainable IT industry. Thomas has been key to shaping the company’s strong environmental message, and his vision for a greener, more ethical business is shared by everyone who works with us.
What truly sets Thomas apart is his ability to translate this vision into action. Whether through the Green Academy, our charitable projects in Ghana, or Sumillion’s daily operations, Thomas consistently ensures that our values are put into practice. He is deeply committed to making a difference, not just for the company, but for the wider community and the environment. His ability to balance business success with social and environmental responsibility has shaped Sumillion into what it is today—a company that leads by example and prioritises doing good alongside doing well.
With Sumillion now recognised as the No. 1 workplace in the UK for both overall workplace quality and employee development and well-being, it is clear that Thomas’ contributions have created a company culture that is supportive, dynamic, and future-focused. His ability to nurture both people and business growth, while remaining committed to sustainability, is why Thomas is recognised as the CRN’s Sustainability Unsung Hero.
