Making Supplier Diversity a Priority

The suppliers learn about Accenture's strategic goals and objectives, current and future business needs and how our business operates. Using this information, they execute strategic plans within their businesses to meet our requirements. The key outcome is increased utilization and growth of minority-owned businesses, fostering economic health in the communities where we work and live.

Our procurement team is active in events and organizations across the United States that foster inclusiveness in this area. Accenture exhibited at the National Minority Supplier Development Council conference, the largest supplier diversity event in the country. Cheryl Harris, delivery lead for North America Procurement Solutions, has a leadership role in the organization and served as a panelist in the workshop "Doing Business with the Largest Accountancy and Professional Services Firms."

Accenture also maintains an online supplier diversity management tool that serves as a central source of information for suppliers interested in doing business with Accenture in the United States. On the website, suppliers can register their capabilities. In turn, this information is used as a sourcing database for internal buyers looking to meet their procurement needs. Accenture is committed to growing our relationships with minority suppliers. In 2006, we directed $403 million—over 19 percent of our procurement spending—to small, minority and women-owned businesses. Said Harris, "Helping small, women-owned and minority-owned companies transform into high performance businesses is the cornerstone of what we do. Success in this area positions Accenture to deliver increased value internally, for our clients and our shareholders. Simply put, supplier diversity is one element that differentiates us from the competition—something we should all be proud of."