Joseph pursued his progressive ideas within the running of Rowntree's, in the design of the new factory opened in 1881, and in the business practices followed therein, including the founding of one of the first Occupational Pension Schemes.

[5] By the end of the nineteenth century, the company, Rowntree's, grew from 30 to over 4,000 employees, making it Britain's eightieth largest manufacturing employer.

Philosophical and political views: Joseph Rowntree was a supporter of liberal values, and was anxious to improve the quality of life of his employees.

He provided them with a library, free education, a works magazine, a social welfare officer, a doctor, a dentist and a pension fund.

This campaign aims to place a statue of Joseph Rowntree, philanthropist, social reformer, and chocolatier, in Parliament Square, York, on the site of the repulsed and now-demolished toilet block.