Procurement Magazine March 2024 | Page 89

SUPPLIER DIVERSITY
Benefiting both businesses and communities , supplier diversity encourages innovation , drives economic growth and enhances resilience in the supply chain by leveraging the flexibility and innovation that often comes with a smaller and more diverse enterprise .
“ Morally , all organisations should ensure supplier diversity ,” says Gemma Thompson , a Senior Consultant for Strategy and Growth at Proxima . “ There is a strong business case to supplier diversity that supports maintaining a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving business landscape , and fostering meaningful supplier relationships in a diverse supply base can drive economic growth and job creation .”
Supplier diversity and its benefits for all Presenting opportunities for both buyer and supplier , having a diverse supplier base “ sets an organisation apart by creating a more inclusive and dynamic supply chain ,” says Wycherley . By embracing diversity , organisations can future-proof their business and promote adaptability and sustainability in an ever-changing landscape .
Supplier diversity also encourages innovation by broadening the pool of perspectives , as well as new resources , technologies and ideas . It can also enable greater agility and flexibility .
Improving supplier diversity presents opportunities for both the buyer and supplier . Supplier diversity can drive
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