At the heart of the Living Wage movement are many incredible leaders tirelessly advocating for fairer, better work. One of our movement’s biggest champions is Brett Mendell, Managing Director of Thomas Kneale – an employee-owned, Manchester-based bathroom and bedroom textiles manufacturer.
We are thrilled to share that Brett has been awarded an MBE for services to sustainability and to leadership for his activities related to environmental responsibility, net zero, ethical trade and reducing in-work poverty. To celebrate this, we wanted to spotlight Brett’s numerous achievements in championing the Living Wage and Living Hours accreditation schemes.
From advocating for the real Living Wage in over twenty national media publications to speaking directly to His Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace about the importance of the real Living Wage, Brett has gone above and beyond to shape the world of work so that everyone can have security and dignity today and tomorrow.
Leadership & Recognition
Brett’s values-led leadership has earned both royal recognition and sector-wide respect, setting a powerful example of what it means to champion fair work.
- Under Brett’s leadership, Thomas Kneale became Living Wage accredited and an early adopter of the Living Hours accreditation scheme, demonstrating their unwavering belief in ensuring their staff enjoy a decent standard of living and have secure employment.
- In 2023, Thomas Kneale was awarded the Kings Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development. As part of the celebration, Brett invited a Living Wage Foundation colleague to attend a presentation by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester to Thomas Kneale, to raise awareness of the scheme.
- Brett received the ‘Advocate of the Year’ award at the Champion Awards 2024 for his untiring support of the Living Wage Movement.
Public Advocacy & Media Presence
Brett has been featured across national media and never fails to mention his organisation’s Living Wage and Living Hours accreditation and the benefits secure employment brings.
- On multiple occasions, Brett has advocated for the Living Wage movement on national radio, appearing on BBC Radio 4’s flagship radio show, the Today Programme, and 5 Live Wake Up to Money show to talk through the business benefits of paying the real Living Wage.
- Over 20 national media publications have quoted Brett. He featured in a Sunday Times article on the link between low pay and poverty; advocated for the real Living Wage in local media articles such as the Manchester Evening News; and featured in a BBC news article on the real Living Wage.
- He produced a video with Manchester City Council on the importance of the real Living Wage, which has since been used in ShareAction’s retail campaign.
- In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Brett made the case for why workers need a wage that meets everyday needs.
- Brett has been a prominent voice within the press and comms put out by the Foundation. Along with featuring on the first Living Wage Foundation podcast, he has assisted the Foundation in writing numerous blogs championing the Living Hours scheme.
Speaking Engagements & Events
Brett is a leading voice both regionally and nationally for championing the real Living Wage, both when it has been celebrated and challenged as an initiative.
- During the Greater Manchester Living Wage week 2023, Brett shared the stage with one of his employees to highlight the individual benefits of the real Living Wage – particularly during a cost-of-living crisis.
- Brett was involved in a roundtable at the Resolve Poverty national conference, attended by a senior representative from the DWP. He spoke about the importance of the real Living Wage for reducing in-work poverty.
- At a recent parliamentary reception, Brett discussed responsible business practices with Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
- Brett has even spoken with his Majesty The King at Buckingham Palace about the importance of fair pay and secure hours – an exchange that Brett says The King was “most interested” in!
Partnerships & Policy Influence
Out of the spotlight, Brett has been building alliances, influencing policy and ensuring the Living Wage stays on the agenda through strategic partnerships and behind-the-scenes advocacy.
- Brett is a member of the Manchester Living Wage Action Group and the National Living Hours Leadership Group, helping steer strategy to encourage more employers to join the movement and raise the bar for decent work.
- Working alongside ShareAction, Brett has engaged with some of the institutional investors across a number of the UK’s largest retailers, and co-filed Living Wage resolutions at various AGM’s this year.
Brett’s MBE is a well-deserved recognition of his commitment to transforming employment and transforming lives. His leadership exemplifies what it means to do the right thing, so that work works for everyone.
Congratulations again to Brett on his fantastic achievement!
Interested in advocating publicly about the importance of a Living Wage and Living Hours? Get in touch.