Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chain Insights Report
Business in the Community’s (BITC) Race Equality Leadership Team commissioned the Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chain project to provide definitive evidence of the challenges and opportunities both large and small employers face in the UK, that are a barrier to business growth and impactful collaboration with suppliers and partners.
As part of this, the recent Leadership, Employees and Procurement survey was commissioned in collaboration with YouGov, and is the first of its kind, exploring diversity, equity and inclusion in procurement practices.
The survey asked large businesses and senior leaders to give us insights into the opportunities they have, to influence and collaborate with diverse and inclusive suppliers. We also asked small businesses and founders about their experiences working with large businesses, what barriers they have faced and what support they need to enhance partnerships and bring better and equal opportunities to business.
This report presents the valuable insights from the survey. It aims to:
- Help large employers understand the needs of small businesses within their supply chains.
- Emphasise the need for improving data collection by government on the diversity and ownership of small businesses by ethnicity and other protected characteristics.
- Enable employers to better grasp the scope and expertise of the procurement sector.
Benefits of Diverse and Inclusive Supply Chains
Inclusive supply chains can stimulate economic growth and job creation in underrepresented communities, as diverse suppliers often operate in these areas. It can also boost business performance through:
- Increased innovation and creativity – as diverse perspectives and experiences bring fresh ideas to the table.
- Better understanding and connection with customers, tapping into a wider range of cultural and demographic insights.
- Improved reputation, brand image and commitment to responsible business practices.
Take action
As our Race campaign approaches the next decade, we are encouraging businesses to commit to our seven key actions to prioritise race equality and foster inclusivity for Black, Asian, Mixed Race, and other ethnically diverse individuals. This includes calling on businesses to sign our Race at Work Charter.
Make race equality a priority
