The contemporary business world is full of breathtaking hustle and bustle. Yet some extraordinarily multitalented business leaders establish empires of purpose, passion, and lasting significance that empower the past, present, and the future. With a twenty-five-year record of hugely successful founding, running, and expanding numerous UK businesses, David Manners, one of the highest entrepreneurial spirits, has shown a mastery of holistic, sustainable, all-inclusive, and progressive stewardship that is both strategic and profoundly ethical.
Since becoming Owner and CEO of Sumillion Limited, David has not only established the UK’s most sustainable IT reseller but has also redefined the concept of being a corporate leader. The company is unique in the industry as the sole reseller to give 10% of yearly profits to charity, an indication that David believes economic development and sustainability are not at odds, but complementary.
With his other pioneering ventures:
- Qumillion Limited, a Marketing & design consultancy specializing in creating strong brand identity and bespoke campaigns for its clients
- Bemillion Limited, a channel-only recruitment specialist, works as an invisible and anonymous value-added supplier
- Vemillion Limited, Basingstoke’s most sustainable café and first (and still only) 100% Vegan Café.
- Numillion Limited, a modern construction company specializing in sustainable renovations and conversions
- Ommillion Limited offers yoga and wellbeing classes, creating a space where people can reconnect to themselves and their lives through movement, meditation, and breathwork.
As well as rebranding and managing:
- To Live in H.O.P.E, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering global communities through Health, Opportunity, Peace and Education.
David Manners, the Owner and CEO of **Million and Chairman of Trustees of the charity, has been revolutionizing the modern era and redefining what a new business paradigm means. Demonstrating that a true leader means more than just a successful entrepreneur. He can be much more―a dedicated philanthropist. A devoted family man. And a proud vegan at the same time. All the while remaining true to a vision that is both profound and uncompromising. That’s why the global industry calls him a catalyst―change agent. Because he is envisioning a new generation of leadership that is building businesses that succeed, transform lives, and leave the world a better place.
The **Million Brand’s Grand Vision: A Purpose Beyond Profit
Having already built successful, traditional ventures, David reached a pivotal realization: he wanted to do more than simply succeed in business. He yearned to create a lasting, positive change in the world. This desire sparked the genesis of the **Million brand—a group of companies and a charity all united by a singular, powerful mission. Each entity, from Sumillion to Vemillion, was designed to challenge conventional industry norms and lead by example. The brand is built on a bold, recognizable identity and a non-negotiable commitment to giving back, with a minimum of ten percent of profits dedicated to charitable causes. David’s vision was to prove that “you cannot choose between economic growth and sustainability” and that the two can, in fact, be powerful allies.
The influence of his personal vision is evident in every facet of the business. By embedding a core purpose of philanthropy and environmental responsibility, he ensured that the ventures would be truly unique and driven by a mission to improve the world. This isn’t just about corporate social responsibility; it’s the very foundation of the business model.
The Soul of the Business: Leading with Integrity
When it comes to steering his multiple ventures, David firmly believes that the soul comes first. For him, the core of the business isn’t just a strategy on a whiteboard; it’s the deeply held values and beliefs that define its existence. This is what truly separates the **Million brand from its competitors. By focusing on “why we exist, what we believe, and how we behave,” he cultivates a corporate culture that is both productive and deeply meaningful. His passion for creating lasting, positive change isn’t just an aspiration; it’s the guiding principle behind every strategic decision, ensuring that profitability is always balanced with integrity and a genuine commitment to social and environmental betterment.
A Constant State of Reinvention
Leadership, for David, is not about finding a single, static formula for success, but about a continuous process of reinvention. He keeps his leadership style fresh and future-focused by nurturing a constant state of curiosity and learning. He doesn’t just look for new ideas himself; he actively encourages his team to have a voice, listening to them, his customers, and his peers. Whether it’s exploring emerging technologies, sustainability practices, or innovative leadership frameworks, David is dedicated to learning and applying new knowledge. He prides himself on staying ahead of the curve, constantly challenging his own practices and those of his companies to remain at the forefront of innovation and sustainability in their respective industries.
A Test of Resolve: Building on Belief
Every visionary faces setbacks, and for David, the first major roadblock was a self-imposed one. From the very beginning, he made the deliberate choice to hire people based on personality and shared values, not on prior experience. This was a radical departure from traditional business models, but he believed it was the only way to build a company with the integrity and passion that defined his vision. The challenge, however, was significant. Without employees who had predefined ways of doing things, the company had to develop its own best-in-class training programs and procedures from the ground up. This process was time-consuming and required immense patience and resolve to get right, but it laid the foundation for a company culture built on trust and a shared mission.
From Relevant to Revolutionary: Leading the Green Agenda
In a world of constant change, David has ensured that Sumillion remains not only relevant but truly revolutionary by combining purpose with agility. He believes the company’s relevance comes from being the UK’s most sustainable IT reseller, but its revolutionary edge is its unwavering commitment to embedding sustainability into every part of the business. This goes far beyond a marketing slogan; it’s a strategic imperative that influences everything from procurement and partnerships to internal culture.
David and his team are not followers—they are leaders in the sustainability discussion. With initiatives like their CO2 Offset Service and the Green Diamond Club, they are actively redefining what ethical IT looks like. Their gold-level certification with Positive Planet provides measurable, credible proof that their sustainability efforts are not just talk, but a core part of their operations.
Inside the company, David nurtures innovation through a culture built on high staff retention, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong commitment to employee well-being. This has earned Sumillion recognition as both a top workplace in tech and a leader in sustainability. The company also drives change through thought leadership, hosting events like the IT Summit that bring together experts to discuss the future of technology and its role in a sustainable world. Ultimately, David believes Sumillion’s revolutionary nature comes from its commitment to staying human: “We listen, we adapt, and we lead with integrity.”
The Milestones of Impact
David measures his success not by profit margins, but by the impact he creates. Among his most meaningful moments are those that reflect a perfect blend of impact and intention. Being named IT Solutions Provider of the Year by Corporate Live Wire in 2024 was a powerful validation of Sumillion’s commitment to sustainability and ethical IT. This award was a testament to his vision of redefining responsible technology, from carbon offsetting to lifecycle extension services.
Just as important were the accolades from Great Place to Work, where Sumillion was ranked number one for overall workplace, well-being, and development. For David, these awards were not about external praise; they were a reflection of the vibrant culture he has built—a place where people feel valued, supported, and truly at home. On a personal level, a defining milestone was becoming the Chairman of Trustees for the charity, To Live in H.O.P.E. Through this role, he has helped provide access to clean water, education, and economic opportunities for thousands, creating a legacy he is incredibly proud of.
Being featured as one of The Ten Most Visionary Leaders to Follow was another moment of deep reflection. It reminded him that “leadership is not just about strategy. It is about heart, resilience, and the courage to do things differently.”
Finding Balance in Motion
In a role that demands constant movement and decision-making, David maintains his equilibrium by prioritizing routines that restore clarity and energy. He believes that balance is created with intention, and he works on himself as much as he works on his companies. Running, meditation, yoga, and regular gym sessions are his go-to practices for staying grounded, allowing him to think clearly and dissolve stress.
This commitment to well-being isn’t just a personal habit; it’s a core part of Sumillion’s culture. The company’s office includes dedicated meditation and yoga rooms, spaces designed to inspire and recharge the team. David also stays grounded through his service with ‘To Live in H.O.P.E, which connects him to a purpose far bigger than business. This work reminds him that true impact begins with intention and is nurtured through compassion. For David, balance isn’t about stepping away from leadership—it’s about “leading from a place of wholeness, where clarity, purpose, and wellbeing guide every decision.”
The Ripple Effect of Purpose
For David, true leadership is a ripple effect. It begins with his personal values and spreads to his team, his customers, and the broader industry. He believes that leadership should be rooted in purpose, not just performance, a belief that has shaped every facet of his businesses. He leads by example, demonstrating to the wider industry that it is possible to build a successful company while also improving the world. This is most visible in Sumillion’s business model, which is built on ethical IT solutions and a non-negotiable commitment to donating ten percent of profits to charity.
His unique leadership extends to the very design of his workplace. The office is crafted to inspire, a space that cultivates a culture of passion and boldness. He has even placed superhero statues to remind his team that they, too, can be heroes in their own right. This approach has not only helped him attract and retain top talent but has also sparked an industry-wide conversation about how to build environments that energize people rather than exhaust them.
A Legacy Built on the ‘Why’
When offering his insights to emerging leaders who want to build more than just a business, David’s advice is both direct and deeply personal. He urges them to start with the fundamental question of “why you exist in the first place.” He believes that a legacy is not built on profit alone but on purpose. For him, the soul of his companies has always come first. They exist to make a tangible difference to their people, their customers, and the planet.
This core purpose is the reason they donate a minimum of ten percent of their profits and lead the charge on sustainability. It’s also why they have created a workplace where well-being, creativity, and bold thinking are part of everyday life. David’s legacy is defined by this steadfast commitment to his values.
Boldly Leading a Better Future
David’s philosophy is not just an abstract idea; it is a call to action. He challenges leaders to be bold and to lead differently. The launch of the Sustainable Tech Fest is a prime example of this conviction in action. It was more than a business event; it was a powerful statement that technology and sustainability can and must coexist. The festival brought together not only innovators and changemakers but also families, creating a community around a shared vision for a better future.
To aspiring leaders, David offers a final piece of advice: stay curious and keep learning. He encourages them to listen to their team, their customers, and their peers, staying open and grounded through every challenge. Ultimately, his legacy is a testament to his belief that leadership is about building something that reflects your values, empowers others, and “leaves the world better than you found it.”
A Global Benchmark for Ethical Leadership
Looking ahead five years, David’s vision of success is ambitious and multi-faceted, extending far beyond the traditional metrics of growth. For Sumillion, success means being recognized as a global benchmark for ethical technology, not just a leader in the UK. He is committed to expanding Sumillion’s impact by offering cutting-edge solutions that reduce emissions and extend the lifecycles of technology. Their Green Partnership Program is poised to become a leading model for how businesses can deepen customer engagement through shared environmental goals. The company will continue to donate a minimum of ten percent of its profits to charity, with their work for ‘To Live in H.O.P.E reaching even more communities around the globe.
Internally, success is measured by the well-being of his team. He is committed to maintaining a workplace culture where creativity, purpose, and well-being not only thrive but are the very foundation of the company’s success.
Building a Lasting Legacy
On a personal level, David’s vision for the future is rooted in legacy. He wants to be known for building more than just a business, but for building a lasting legacy that empowers others and proves that commercial success and social impact can be intertwined. He sees himself mentoring the next generation of leaders, speaking out on the importance of ethical leadership, and continuing to reshape industries to be more inclusive, sustainable, and human. For David Manners, the journey is not about reaching a finish line, but about the continuous, intentional act of leaving the world better than he found it.
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