Robert Owen, considered by many as the father of the cooperative movement, made his fortune in the cotton trade, but believed in putting his workers in a good environment with access to education for themselves and their children.
Robert Owen, keda paljud pidasid ühistuliikumise isaks, kogus oma varanduse puuvillakaubanduses, ent uskus, et paneb oma töötajaid heasse keskkonda, kus on juurdepääs haridusele nii töötajatele kui ka nende lastele.