Procurement Magazine December 2024 | Page 171

DE & I

In today ’ s rapidly evolving business world , top leaders are realising that diversity , equity and inclusion ( DE & I ) are more than just buzzwords – they are key to procurement success . By weaving DE & I into procurement strategies , companies not only fulfil a moral responsibility but also gain a competitive edge that drives innovation , agility and cost-effectiveness . Organisations are now prioritising social value and sustainability in their supplier choices , often assigning a significant portion of scoring to these factors . This shift is reshaping supply chains to be more inclusive and sustainable . Forward-thinking procurement leaders are also nurturing diverse talent , fostering inclusive cultures and measuring the tangible impact of these initiatives , setting the stage for a more innovative and resilient future . Here we ask : exactly how are industry leaders driving procurement excellence through diversity , equity and inclusion ?

Businesses that allocate at least 20 % of their spend to diverse suppliers see up to

15 %

of annual sales
( Hackett Group study )
Integrating DE & I into procurement strategies to drive sustainable and equitable supply chains DE & I is now essential in modern procurement , with companies realising the value of diverse supply chains in driving innovation and competitiveness . A Hackett Group study revealed that businesses allocating at least 20 % of their spend to diverse suppliers see up to 15 % of annual sales tied to these efforts . This shows the tangible financial boost DE & I can provide , proving it is not just good ethics , it is smart business .
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