Quakers in Industry

Quakers in Industry: Integrity at Work

Honesty That Built Businesses

Excluded from universities and public office, Quakers turned challenges into opportunity—creating businesses you still know today, from Cadbury chocolate to Barclays Bank. Guided by integrity, they not only built trusted companies but also pioneered fair work practices, healthy products, and thriving communities like Bournville. Discover how honesty and innovation shaped industries—and changed lives.

Quakers are famous for living by their principles—honesty, fairness, and integrity. In the 19th century, these values helped them leave a lasting mark on industry, business, and society.
 

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Turning Barriers into Opportunity

For much of British history, Quakers couldn’t hold public office or attend universities. Early Quakers (starting in the 17th century) were prevented from holding public office and attending university primarily because they were considered "Dissenters" (non-Anglicans) and refused to comply with the legal and religious requirements of the state-controlled Church of England.

Their strict adherence to testimonies regarding equality, integrity, and pacifism conflicted with the social, political, and educational norms of the time, leading to legal restrictions that lasted until the late 19th century.

But instead of holding them back, this inspired them to create new businesses and industries.  

From banking to chocolate-making, they found ways to thrive—and change the world around them.
 

Businesses You Know Today

Many familiar brands have Quaker roots:

• Banks: Barclays and Lloyds

• Chocolate: Fry’s, Rowntree’s, Cadbury

• Shoes: Clarks

• Biscuits: Huntley & Palmers

• Matches: Bryant & May
  
  (But NOT Quaker Oats!) 

  
  You might like to read this article on historical and current Quaker business practices. Click here - wealthymatters.com
  
  
  
  Quakers built their businesses on trust. Customers knew they would be treated fairly, employees could rely on honest management, and communities benefited from responsible practices. Quaker communities oversaw local Quaker businesses in order to maintain these standards and prevent over-indebtedness and bankruptcy. They regulated the master-servant and employer-employee relationships in the interest of equality and fairness. 

Innovation with a Social Purpose

Quaker businesses weren’t just about profit. They led the way in social innovation:

• Bournville Village: George Cadbury created a model community for his workers with housing, schools, and parks. 

• Healthy alternatives: Chocolate drinks offered a safe and nutritious option in an era of contaminated water and widespread alcohol abuse.

• Fair treatment: Quakers promoted equality and fairness between employers and employees long before labor laws existed.
   

The Secret to Their Success

The most powerful tool Quakers brought to business was simple: integrity. By applying the same honesty in commerce as in life, they earned trust and loyalty. Their example shows how doing the right thing can also build thriving, lasting enterprises.

Want to Learn More?

Quakers’ impact on industry goes far beyond chocolate and banks. Their story is one of innovation, ethics, and social change that still influences businesses and communities today. Dive into the fascinating history of Quakers in industry, and discover how their values continue to inspire ethical business practices around the world.
 

Quaker Principles in Action:

• Quakers & Ethical Investment — Quakers NZ

• Understanding Quakers' Ethical Business Principles

Famous Quaker Companies:

• Quakers in business and industry — Wikipedia

• Huntley & Palmers — Wikipedia

Social Innovation & Workers’ Welfare:

• Quaker history in business and values — Quakers and Business

• Quakers and industry overview — Q & B

Quakers and Banking:

• A brief history of Quakers and banking — Quakers in Britain 

Learn more about how Quakers aim to live
Explore Quaker Beliefs
Read about how Quakers are putting their faith into practice today
 

Connect with a Quaker
Find a Quaker Meeting

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