At Urban Foundry, we spend much of our time helping people, places and businesses thrive. But making a positive difference also starts closer to home, with how we value and support our own team
That’s why we’ve been a Real Living Wage employer since 2017, ensuring that everyone working across our projects is paid at least the Real Living Wage.
For us, fair pay isn’t just the right thing to do. It makes good business sense too.
Putting our values into practice
We’re passionate about making towns and cities better places. Whether we’re supporting local businesses, bringing spaces back into use or helping communities shape their future, we believe in creating positive, lasting change.
And that includes the people who make our own work possible.
“People deserve to feel valued.”
Paying a fair wage is one practical way of showing that we value the contribution our team makes every day.
It’s about putting our values into practice, rather than simply talking about them.
Good for people, good for business
We know that running a 
business isn’t easy. Rising costs put pressure on employers, particularly in sectors like hospitality, where margins can be tight.
Through our experience of running Urban HQ, we understand those challenges first-hand.
But we also believe that investing in people is an investment in the long-term success of a business.
“Fair pay helps us keep good people.”
It helps us attract talented staff, build a committed team and retain the experience and knowledge that make our work possible.
And when people stay, businesses spend less time and money recruiting and training replacements.
“It helps us attract new staff.”
Creating a workplace where people feel supported, respected and fairly rewarded is good for employees and good for the organisations they work for.
Supporting our local economy
The benefits of fair pay extend beyond individual businesses.
“Better pay supports our local economy.”
When people have more money in their pockets, they’re more likely to spend it in local shops, cafés and other businesses.
That money circulates through our communities, helping to support jobs, strengthen local businesses and create more resilient local economies.
The more employers who commit to fair pay, the greater that collective impact can be.
It’s a simple example of how individual business decisions can contribute to wider positive change.
Celebrating our people
This Living Wage Week, we’re proud to reaffirm our commitment to being a Real Living Wage employer and to recognise the hardworking, talented people who make Urban Foundry what it is.
We know that fair pay alone doesn’t create a great workplace, but it’s an important foundation.
And while the pressures facing businesses are very real, we believe that looking after people, building loyalty and recognising good work pays off in the long run.
“Good work deserves fair pay.”
It’s something we’ve believed in since becoming a Real Living Wage employer in 2017, and something we’ll continue to stand by.
Find out more about the Real Living Wage through the Living Wage Foundation and Living Wage Wales.
Photography: Diyan Kantardziev.
