As part of our commitment to supplier diversity 

Capita supplier procurement conference 2008

As part of our commitment to developing mutually beneficial relationships with small and minority owned businesses, we recently held a conference to engage with our smaller suppliers.

SMEs often face challenges associated with lack of time, resources and information when attempting to engage with large companies like Capita. We want to ensure that there are no barriers to entry and that these smaller organisations are placed on a level playing field with the larger suppliers that are utilised by the business.

Following a survey of existing SMEs and engaging with Supply London and other partners, it was apparent that a traditional ‘meet the buyer’ event was of limited appeal. In light of this Group Procurement developed a innovative supplier day with the following objectives:

• Enable existing and new SMEs to engage with senior supply chain and business professionals within Capita
• Give general advice and guidance for selling to large organisations that would be transferable
• Educate suppliers about sustainability
• Explain the rationale behind the Capita supplier segmentation and rationalisation plans.

The event was held at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London and was attended by over 120 SMEs, split 50/50 between existing and potential suppliers. To date a number of follow up discussions have been held and business in the region of £10k has been awarded to target suppliers.