Comment: The power of partnerships

Berry asked - what if Coca Cola were to use its enormous distribution network throughout developing countries to get medicines and other "social products" into communities where one in five children dies through lack of access to very basic healthcare.

Two decades years later he has turned it into a fully-fledged campaign, is in discussion with Coke and has brokered a partnership between Coca-Cola and an international NGO to help make the vision a reality. He's harnessing the power of business to achieve something good.

Businesses have long been involved in doing social good: from corporate volunteering to Corporate Social Responsibilty, setting up foundations, or sponsoring charities. Indeed Community Links has had valuable relationships with companies based in Canary Wharf for more than 30 years.

Historically this work has been largely separate from the main business of the company - a bit on the side, rather than integral to its success. But we believe this is starting to change as it becomes increasingly apparent - to charities, government, and business - that real social change occurs when we all work in partnership.

Every sector has its strengths and its weaknesses, and combining the strengths can achieve things no sector could manage on its own.

Philanthrocapitalism, for example, brings corporate principles to the business of giving, often leading to better results (say its supporters).

Colalife would marry the efficiency of Coke's distribution with the medical knowledge of an NGO, and the support of a UK campaigning group. We are holding a Chain Reaction event on November 12 in Canary Wharf to explore these ideas further.

It goes beyond CSR - linking business to policy makers and people working in communities around the UK.

It will include practical workshops, on developing corporate and third sector partnerships, on campaigning, on using social media, and on social innovation.

Speakers will include senior cabinet ministers, senior staff from Tate and Lyle, Clifford Chance, Bank of New York Mellon and Canary Wharf Ltd, and many more.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased at chain-reaction.org.

- The Wharf is the media partner for Chain Reaction