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What can businesses learn from the Rowntrees?

A booklet highlighting what modern businesses can learn from the Rowntree family’s principles for sustainable employment.

Written by:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Date published:

The Rowntrees achieved great commercial success through their chocolate factory, based in York, but their legacy extends far beyond their famous confectionery. They have had a huge impact on social reform, the understanding of poverty, enlightened business practices and the minimum wage – all still major concerns today.

This booklet looks at what we can learn from the Rowntrees about:

  • decent living standards and income;
  • engaged workers;
  • leadership;
  • working conditions and employee welfare;
  • management and capitalism.
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