My next book is taking shape in my mind

Most people are familiar with the distinctive style of Wedgewood pottery, or the taste of Cadbury’s chocolate, but few know what these companies once had in common with Clarks shoes, Barclays Bank and Bryant & May matches. All are household names and of pressed, most would say these were successful brands.

But very few will know that all were started by Quakers, so build on a set of ethical values that set them apart from their rivals. A now elderly friend who worked for Clarks when it was still family run, then later worked for a non-Quaker retailer, talks about the stark difference between the two.

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Yes firms like Clarks were focused on making a profit and generating wealth, but they did this while treating their suppliers and customers with respect and making sure their employees had decent housing, a fair wage and access to education.

While few now are aware of the Quaker roots of these well known brands, fewer still will know the role their faith played in their success. Quaker banks provided working capital to Quaker businesses, and the Quaker habit of marrying within the Quaker community meant many of these firms were linked by blood, as well as by trade and tradition.

Today there is a growing interest in business ethics, social enterprise and employee ownership, and my suspicion is that many will find it interesting to read how early Quaker firms succeeded. It will certainly be fascinating to research and perhaps rekindle interest in Quaker entrepreneurship. As a Quaker with an entrepreneurial background I often find myself at odds with Friends who have little business experience and so view enterprise as somehow bad.

If all goes well, the book will be published early in 2027. I’d be interested to know if this will be a book you’d like to read?