SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
valuable business insights from the major player . This active mentoring can significantly support the growth of small to medium enterprises .”
Overcoming hurdles The benefits of a supplier diversity programme are clear , but implementing such a programme can present challenges .
As Kavita explains , understanding and accounting for the complexity of the supply chain is crucial to ensure that the actions taken are having the desired impact .
“ While audits will take you so far , you have to take a first principles approach to ensure that the relationships you have with suppliers are strategically aligned to have real impact ,” she adds . “ At Mars , this begins with having suppliers aligned with our supplier code of conduct , which helps to affect change both in direct and indirect supply chains .”
When these agreements are in place , uncovering the right metrics and then measuring them in a robust way is critical to ensuring that impact is served across social , ethical and environmental aspects . Overcoming economic and cultural barriers can also present challenges and require significant commitment .
“ Businesses need to invest in longterm collaboration strategies that give those in their supply chain access to
114 January 2025