Business Ethics and the Cadburys

“There is nothing unethical in making a profit. Profit is only one way of measuring the value created by a business. What is more important is to have a richer picture of how value is created, attending to environmental, social and sustainability impact. No business will survive for long without it. What matters is how you make your profit and what you do with it.” This Advice from Quaker “Good Business: Ethics at Work” underpinned the message of OL Duncan Cadbury’s talk to Sixth Form Business students.

One of the students commented that the talk showed them “the importance of using profit wisely, you can use it for personal gain, but by giving it back to workers/charities you provide yourself with a blueprint to success for years after.”

Teacher Sarah Owen said “We were incredibly privileged to learn more about George Cadbury and the foundation of Bournville from family member, Duncan. Students were in awe at the extent of George Cadbury’s good works, and ongoing legacy. The talk really helped students to reflect deeply on the impact of the Quaker approach to business, which emphasises the importance of using profit for the benefit of others. This linked in with our classroom discussions about the trade off between profit and ethics, and whether most businesses have the right balance today; sadly, most students felt they didn’t!”

Duncan had left Leighton Park in 1966, and was absolutely thrilled to have a good look round; he was extremely impressed by the students who he met, but also the facilities. After school, he worked at Cadburys for a few years, but eventually trained as a Social Worker. He specialised in services for people with learning disabilities and their families – working locally, regionally and nationally. Ultimately he held responsibility for Performance Review across all aspects of Social Services in Birmingham and for Inspection and Standards in Solihull. Before retiring Duncan became a Regional Director and then National Head of Training for the Leonard Cheshire Disability Charity.

Duncan was a Trustee of The Bournville Village Trust for 35 years and became Chairman in 2013. He retired as Chairman in 2019 after an agreed 6 year term but continued as a Trustee until he retired October 2021. He is currently an Ambassador for the Trust – giving talks and lectures on George Cadbury and the foundation of Bournville.