THE relationship between businesses and charities was up for discussion as John Lewis teamed up with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation in a bid to tackle poverty in York.

The retailer, which opened at the Vangarde Shopping Centre in April this year, marked the beginning of a new partnership with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation by hosting a roundtable discussion at the store to discuss how businesses in York can engage with the voluntary sector.

Jointly hosted by outgoing store manager Robert Garnish and his successor Gary Rowntree, the session was attended by local stakeholders including chief executive of Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Julia Unwin, chief executive of the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership Sue Gradwell, and Catherine Surtees, VCS Lead in the Rewiring Programme at City of York Council.

Mr Garnish, who helped to instigate the partnership with a £20,0000 donation from John Lewis to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Our success in York has been in no small part thanks to the community and because of that John Lewis has a big part to play in the community it trades in.

"We have had unprecedented engagement in our Community Matters scheme and long may that continue.

"The real value doesn't just come from financial contribution but from deep rooted engagement. I'm delighted that John Lewis is forging a relationship with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation."

Mrs Urwin added: "We’re grateful to be receiving such support from John Lewis York, and that they’re working with us to highlight the issues being seen in the voluntary sector in York.

"Discussions like this, that examine how local businesses can help, are extremely important.

"John Lewis and Joseph Rowntree were men of a similar mind and from a similar era. They were looking for a way to do business in an era of society change, and we've have got a lot to learn from these early 20th century business men."

Key issues discussed during the session were how the voluntary sector in York can get the attention it needs, and the business case for organisations to engage and support the voluntary sector.

Mr Rowntree said: "We’re delighted to now be partnering with such an important organisation, that works to identify the causes of poverty and support those vulnerable in the community here in York."