SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
Breaking barriers Businesses face a host of challenges when it comes to implementing more inclusive practices – both internally and in regard to third-party suppliers.
“ One of the biggest challenges is a lack of awareness or understanding of what neurodiversity actually means,” explains Kelly.“ This is where training comes into play.”
Many businesses hesitate, fearing that neuro-inclusive adjustments will be complicated or costly. But in reality, most are simple, low-cost and benefit the entire workforce – not just neurodivergent employees.
In the pharmaceutical sector, managing supplier relationships is particularly complex.
“ You categorise suppliers based on priority and availability,” explains Faris Hattar, Associate Director of Supply Chain for Hikma Pharmaceuticals.“ In pharma, it’ s even more difficult because of regulatory approval processes and product testing. Ensuring transparency and timely communication with suppliers is key.”
Faris says this is why collaboration across the supply chain is so important:“ It’ s all about joint value creation between trading partners. You need to look beyond the walls of your organisation to create value throughout the supply chain between suppliers and clients.”
He continues:“ I firmly believe there must be some sort of a mutual benefit between both the organisation that you work in, as well as that of your partners,
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