The story of Quaker-owned businesses starts with the formation of the Society of Friends which attracted many in commerce right from the start. I find it fascinating how their faith principles directly shaped their approach to doing business, and through this faith-led approach they left their mark on business which can still be seen today in the both the brands they created and in modern
concepts such as servant leadership.
Over time, the core worship values became codified in the Quaker Book of Discipline, which was drawn together and approved by 1737. This contained much practical advice on how to conduct ‘Trade’ alongside other Quaker ‘Testimonies’ – not least simplicity and Integrity.
Truth and integrity meant honest dealings – fair prices, truthful advertising, and keeping promises. A Quaker shopkeeper could not misrepresent merchandise – which was common at the time, with much adulteration of commodities such as tea and sugar.
Their belief in the equality of all before God guided their relationships with apprentices who became employees and later partners; this evolved into better treatment of workers in general as ideas like the Social Gospel gained traction in the nineteenth century. Their commitment to simplicity encouraged a focus on substance over style – quality products rather than a reliance on flashy marketing. The anti-war testimony steered many away from war-related industries altogether, even when such a stance led
to the loss of profits.
But these weren’t just lofty ideals – they transformed into practical business advantages. The Quaker reputation for honesty-built customer trust and loyalty. While others might cut corners, Quaker businesses became known for consistent quality and fair dealing.
Their progressive employment practices at companies like Cadbury and Rowntree – better wages, housing assistance, social supports – stemmed directly from seeing inherent worth in every person. This challenged the harsh labour standards typical of industrial-era factories.
Many Quaker enterprises flourished into household names we still know: Cadbury, Rowntree’s and Fry’s revolutionising chocolate production; Clarks shoes built on quality craftsmanship; Lloyds Bank growing from Quaker financial principles.
Their lasting success proves something I’ve always believed – that profit and ethics aren’t opposing forces. The Quaker business legacy shows how moral foundations can actually strengthen commercial success rather than hinder it.
Further reading:
‘Quakerism in the Long Eighteenth Century 1689-1800’, in W. Daniels and R. Grant, eds., The Quaker World (Routledge, 2022)
Quakers, Business and Corporate Responsibility, (Springer, 2019).
Quakers in Business and Industry, Quakers and the Disciplines vol. 4, (Friends Association of Higher Education, 2017).
