third party expert support , mentorship and technologies that can improve how they do business , improve standards and deliver greater transparency to continue to reinforce these practices and drive change ,” Kavita advises .

For Jason , finding diverse suppliers in the UK can be “ a time-consuming task ”, with the current process requiring extensive research across various , disparate databases .

“ By partnering with a technology or advocacy firm that supports a fully inclusive approach to supplier diversity , you can ensure that your procurement programme is genuinely inclusive rather than exclusive ,” he says .

Mars ’ Shubh Mint project has engaged self-help and farmer groups to improve the livelihoods of 8,000 women in Uttar Pradesh who farm mint on small holdings , while more broadly Mars has committed to spending

with women-led suppliers between 2022 and 2025

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