Can Collaboration Solve What Quick Fixes Can’t? Lessons from the Meaningful Business Network

News

Posted on Thursday 5 March 2026

The recent Meaningful Business Network event on Social Value hosted by the University of York’s School for Business and Society at the York Guildhall is timely in many ways.

This conversation, as well as other events supported by the network, take place at a point when the meaning and value of local and regional business needs redefinition. How can businesses collaborate to secure sustainable growth that is more equitably shared? What are their respective and collective roles in addressing the socio-environmental challenges we face? Can our pooled thinking offer innovative solutions that might not otherwise emerge?

The recent workshop sought to enable businesses to think about these questions more clearly and with purpose. Dr Maddy Powell from the University drew the network’s collective attention to the problem of road congestion around York Hospital, a multi-layered and intractable issue that, so far, has defied resolution. Indeed, like many of the socio-environmental challenges we face more widely today, many of the ‘quick-fix’ solutions offered so far only seem to make things worse. And yet, simply through joint discussion of the ‘congestion problem’ on the Wiggington Road through the lens of social value, the meaningful business network generated three socially valuable insights that seems to have hitherto escaped the notice of those charged with addressing the problem.

First, like most social issues, the congestion issue at York Hospital is not a ‘single problem’. It comprises a complex and interconnected series of priories, conflicting interests and competing policies that need more nuanced analysis if any proposed intervention is to work. It isn’t just a congestion problem or a hospital access issue: it is an issue that impacts on community, environmental and economic wellbeing.

Second, these broad and complex interests indicate that this isn’t an issue that can be resolved by any one individual or organisation. It requires a genuinely collaborative approach based on a process of ‘proper engagement’ that leverages local expertise and experience to realise social value. Decision-makers should take note … the infrastructure that really matters, particularly from a sustainability lens, is comprised of the relationships between local communities, businesses and organisations. Value emerges from this process as much as it does from any longer-term solutions.

Third, there are more than enough ‘value assets’ (skills, knowledge, relationships, etc.) in York and North Yorkshire to begin to talk through and offer insights into this issue in a more innovative and meaningful way if given half the chance, than deferring to hard, technical solutions grafted in from elsewhere.

As a member of the local community, whether that’s in business, a public sector or a third sector organisation, or a concerned local resident, you can be part of our value generating network and participate in this and future discussions.

Adrian Madden is an Associate Professor at the University of York School for Business and Society.