Josh Turner

Josh Turner is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stand4 Socks, a social enterprise based in the UK that was established in 2015. At just 25 years old, Turner has already made a significant impact in the entrepreneurial landscape, having started his first business ventures at a young age, including eBay powerselling and various eCommerce initiatives.14

Background and Education

Turner studied Business Management at the University of Birmingham, where he developed a foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits. He participated in the New Entrepreneurs Foundation, an accelerator program that helped him refine his business model and connect with other entrepreneurs.12 His early experiences in business included running club nights and engaging in tech start-ups, which provided him with practical insights into entrepreneurship.4

Stand4 Socks

Stand4 Socks operates on a unique "one-for-one" model, where for every pair of socks sold, a portion of the revenue is donated to various charitable causes aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This innovative approach not only promotes social responsibility but also transforms a traditionally mundane product—socks—into a vehicle for social change.25 Since its inception, Stand4 Socks has donated over 150,000 pairs of socks to those in need.3

Turner's vision for Stand4 Socks was inspired by the limitations he observed in traditional charitable models, such as those used by TOMS shoes. He aimed to create a product that not only serves a practical purpose but also communicates a message about social impact and personal values.12 Under his leadership, Stand4 Socks has received recognition, including the Great British Social Entrepreneur of the Year (Bronze) award in 2015.14

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Turner is focused on expanding Stand4's product range and establishing partnerships with new charities. The company plans to launch athletic socks, bamboo socks, and corporate ranges, along with its first crowdfunding campaign to support growth initiatives.12 Turner envisions creating an online marketplace where every purchase contributes positively to global issues, extending beyond just socks to various consumer goods.45

Personal Insights

Josh Turner identifies as a dyslexic entrepreneur who faced challenges in traditional education systems but leveraged his creativity and determination to succeed in business. He emphasizes the importance of social enterprises as powerful agents for change and believes that businesses can significantly impact societal issues when they incorporate social elements into their models.6