How did a small family of Quaker confectioners in York change the way we think about business forever?

James explores the fascinating history of the Rowntree family with Nick Smith from the Rowntree Society. From Joseph Rowntree’s pioneering "Living Wage" experiments to the complex colonial history of the cocoa trade, we explore how a legacy of faith-led social responsibility evolved into a global blueprint for modern social justice and corporate purpose.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Quaker Root: How the Rowntree family’s faith drove their radical views on worker welfare and poverty.
• More Than Chocolate: Joseph Rowntree’s role in creating the foundations for modern philanthropy.
• The Ethical Conflict: Navigating the "bitter" side of the confectionery industry’s colonial past.
• York’s DNA: How the Rowntree influence still shapes community development and social policy in the UK today.

LINKS

https://www.rowntreesociety.org.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therowntreesociety

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rowntreesociety/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rowntreesociety

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@therowntreesociety

Find out more about The Purpose Brief: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

Keywords & Tags: #Rowntree #YorkHistory #QuakerValues #SocialJustice #EthicalBusiness #Philanthropy #CorporatePurpose #HistoryShorts #JosephRowntree #SocialResponsibility

In this episode of The Purpose Brief, James Johnston chats to Professor Beth Breeze OBE, and they explore how philanthropy really works and how it’s changing.

Drawing on decades of research, Beth reflects on generosity among the wealthy, and why giving is rarely just about money.

Instead, philanthropy often sits at the intersection of identity, influence, responsibility, and a desire to make a difference, sometimes in ways that can spark controversy and debate. The conversation explores what happens when wealth and goodwill meet in the real world, and how ideas of responsible business and responsible wealth are shaping modern philanthropy.

They also touch upon the identity of donors, the critical role fundraisers play in building relationships and trust, and why public perception and collaboration matter for sustaining a healthy culture of giving. It’s a grounded, thoughtful conversation about philanthropy as a force for good and the responsibilities that come with it.

LINKS

Order 'Rich Expectations' Now from the Directory for Social Change

More about Harris Manchester College: https://www.hmc.ox.ac.uk/

More about James: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

In the first episode of The Purpose Brief, James Johnston talks to world leading Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert Nathan Chappell about purpose, generosity, and the growing role of AI in helping not-for- profits scale fundraising.

They discuss how AI can strengthen small teams, why ethics and transparency matter in the use of technology, and how we all need to adapt to rapid technological change.

This chat also highlights the continued importance of human connection and curiosity in building trust, community, and impact and some tips for how to minimise your screen time.

A thoughtful starting point for exploring how social good can evolve, and scale, in a changing world.

LINKS:

More about Nathan: https://nathanchappell.com/

More about James: https://www.resolutepurpose.co.uk/

Any thoughts on the show, please email us at hello@resolutepurpose.co.uk