Often the power of partnership is under estimated. Hear from Niamh who is ESG Director at  Sigma Capital, one of our corporate supporters, about how strong  partnerships lie at the heart of success.

Making a positive difference to the lives of others by ouractions as members of society benefits everyone, and the opportunities tocontribute are literally endless. Scientific research shows that we are hard-wiredto want to help and support others – it’s in our DNA! And it just feels right!In fact it feels great!

As ESG Director with Sigma Capital and Simple Life Homes the heart of my role is to bring to life the ESG focus of our business, delivering on our core value: ‘make people’s lives better or a little bit easier by what we do as a business’. With a focus on people and the communities in which we operate this anchor directs my daily activities. Through my work I meet the most incredibly inspiring and committed people, people who do so much good for so many, and as a business we believe that we have a responsibility to support where we can. It simply makes good business sense. Supporting the wider communities in which we operate has a myriad of benefits and is a complete no-brainer. Why help? That is obvious and crystal clear – because it is the right thing to do, we can and we should.

Charities, clubs and community groups need our support and all help and support is gratefully and most appreciatively received. They provide support, care and hope for many in our communities. The challenge is to ensure that any support offered is the required support. How do we know what is really needed? How can we be sure that we are having the impact we hope for and target? Offering support affords us the opportunity for strong partnership building and meaningful impact. It is not, or should not be, about box ticking or pushing a well-intended idea for support. The key is, as is so often the case in life, communication, conversations and connections. We need to engage, talk and listen, but importantly hear, respond and take meaningful action. We must ensure that the outcomes for the charity or group we support addresses their immediate and fundamental requirements. As businesses we must not presume to know what is needed or how we can help, or make support solely fit our agenda. Through collaboration we gain invaluable insight and understanding, can appreciate the need to be flexible and willing to adapt our support, maximising the benefits and impacts for all involved.

Societal needs are great, and indeed overwhelming in numbers to some extent, so we need to box clever, as clever partnerships can result in greater gains for everyone. And what does this help look like? Yes, a huge part of it will be financial help, as cash is needed that’s for sure, but there is also practical help. While budgets may not stretch to financial support,introductions to partners with skills and a supply chain can mean funds are not required, and of course the help through association and networking.Thoughtfully targeted volunteering is hugely worthwhile. Timely donations can have significant consequence. Awareness of need and requirements in time and space, literally, is important.  While budgets may not stretch to financial support, introductions to partners with skills and a supply chain can mean funds are not required. Building a strong well-connected ecosystem enables opportunities for sustainable repurposing, skills sharing, and partnered actions.  Working together we can often have the greatest impact.

The potential for positive impact is vast and the power of people in partnerships is extensive, and in many ways still to be revealed. The challenge to us all is quite simple do something as to do nothing is not an option!

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