Our approach

We believe that business and markets can make a significant contribution to poverty alleviation and sustainable development. We choose to work with companies to support this goal. We recognise the positive impacts that this engagement can have on companies and we seek to maximise these benefits to our corporate partners.

Why should companies address poverty issues?

The benefits to companies of addressing poverty issues are many.

Companies that have invested in corporate responsibility policies and made steps towards improving the impact of their business are widely respected, recognised as leaders in their sectors and have increased the value of their brand. Such reputation benefits ultimately impact the financial bottom line.

Implementing changes linked to social and environmental concerns to core business cuts costs and improves efficiency. Health and safety and good human resource policies reduce time off due to accidents and can increase staff morale and retention; recycling of industrial waste can be cost-effective; avoiding court cases and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) criticism through good practice reduces fines, pay-outs to claimants, and bad press.

How does CARE work with companies?

Markets can be a tool for poverty alleviation, as they enable people to sell their produce and earn a living. We often link our market-access projects in developing countries with international markets through UK companies.

Companies are employers, producers of goods and services, business partners and tax payers. In every capacity, they can promote and protect the rights of their workforce, the communities and environment in which they operate and the public they serve. We support companies with interests in developing countries on their community and workplace activity.

Companies can support the important work of charities like CARE by offering financial donations, or access to their skills and other resources. These resources are invaluable to both our long-term development projects as well as our ability to provide emergency relief at short notice.

The global reach and financial resources of many companies give them considerable political power at local, national and international levels, which can be used to contribute positively to discussions concerning poverty and sustainable development and to raise the bar of best practice.