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Supplier Diversity Event in conjunction with MSDUK

Promoting diversity and inclusion in the supply chain

Background

Following the success of the Supply London event and Eversheds' continued commitment to diversity and supplier diversity, Eversheds' Diversity and Procurement Departments wanted to hold a similar event in the Birmingham office. This time local ethnic minority suppliers were to be the focus. MSDUK was approached about co-hosting an event. MSDUK was excited by the prospect and planning commenced.

Objectives

The aims of the "Meet the Buyer" event which was held in Eversheds' Birmingham office on Wednesday 21st April were to:

• Raise awareness of supplier diversity within Eversheds.
• To promote inclusion and innovation in Eversheds' supply chain.
• To facilitate introductions between Eversheds and local ethnic minority suppliers.
• To facilitate introductions between Eversheds' first and second tier suppliers and ethnic minority businesses.

These objectives were clearly communicated to all parties prior to the event.

The Event

13 representatives from Eversheds and Eversheds' current supply base held one-to-one meetings with 40 ethnic minority suppliers at the afternoon event. Among the buyers were some of Eversheds' key suppliers including Avenance and Ricoh. The session was tremendously well received by all concerned and this was the first time some of Eversheds' key suppliers had had the opportunity to meet local ethnic minority businesses to discuss business synergies.

The event concluded with a networking session attended by an additional dozen budget-holding stakeholders from Eversheds' IT, Facilities, Marketing and Human Resources divisions. This was a unique opportunity for the ethnic minority suppliers to meet senior purchasing decision makers from the firm.

Outcomes

As a result of this event, more than 55 new introductions were made between these large buying organisations and local ethnic minority businesses, introductions which have resulted in an increased spend within the region and amongst these diverse business communities.

Due to the event, Eversheds has awarded a contract to a local ethnic minority business. The award was for confectionary required for an event being held at Eversheds.

The goal of cascading the diversity message down the supply chain was also realised, as Eversheds' existing suppliers who attended the MSDUK event found the session invaluable. One such supplier has requested a quote for a security product from one of the ethnic minority businesses they met on the day. If successful, the minority supplier will be set up on their preferred supplier list.

Feedback from the minority suppliers who attended was also very positive, they felt that having first and second tier suppliers at the event demonstrated Eversheds' commitment to supplier diversity and helped to open up future opportunities.

Commenting on MSDUK's involvement, Director Mayank Shah said:

"MSDUK is delighted that Eversheds, has hosted this event, it has been a resounding success. We are totally geared-up to ensuring that we provide our members with the right tools and opportunities to enable them to participate fully in the UK economy and on a level playing field. The issue of supplier diversity is becoming more and more important to large corporations and through events such as this we can help businesses here in the West Midlands seize those opportunities and take charge of their own success"

Parm Singh, Eversheds Partner and Head of Food and Drink Sector, who welcomed delegates to the event, said:

"I was delighted to be asked to open this event. Eversheds is committed to diversity and inclusion in its supply chain and this has been an excellent opportunity to cascade the message to our key first and second tier suppliers."

About MSDUK

MSDUK is a not-for-profit membership organisation created to provide a direct link between its corporate members and ethnic minority businesses. MSDUK has brokered more than £8.5 million of business between its members and ethnic minority businesses.

www.msduk.org.uk