One of Yorkshire’s leading businessmen has revealed that his York schooldays were a formative moral influence on his career.
Gordon Black, who was the chairman of the highly successful Peter Black Holdings for 30 years, attended Bootham School from 1956-1960.
It provided him with his ‘moral compass’ – which has left him appalled at the corporate greed and selfish bosses that often make headlines today.
Mr Black was head boy in his final year at Bootham, before winning at place at Cambridge University.
He said: “I had a hugely enjoyable time at Bootham. The Quaker ethos of the school made a major impression on me, both consciously and subliminally, and has been a guiding light throughout my business career.
“I have never forgotten the debt I owe to Bootham.”
Broken the social contract
Mr Black’s acclaimed book about business, From Bags To Blenders, has just been published in paperback.
In it, he attacks selfish bosses, rigged markets and dysfunctional businesses, reflecting the brand of compassionate capitalism which he believes is the bedrock of a civilised society.
“I hope my book is a reminder that businesses, both large and small, should not be driven by greed, self-interest and exploitation, but loyalty, co-operation and integrity.
“These latter qualities have been sadly lacking in too many high-profile companies recently – I’m not going to name names, but I suspect we all know who I’m talking about.
“They have broken the social (and moral) contract that allows capitalism to function.”
Win a copy of the book
We have three signed copies of From Bags To Blenders by Gordon Black to give away.
Question: Which York school did Gordon go to?
Email your answer to [email protected] with the words ‘Book competition’ in the subject box.
Three emailers with the correct answer will be chosen at random and win the book.