Citi are a global Corporation with over 360,000 employees across more than 100 countries. They value a workplace where diversity is embraced, reflecting their global business. Their business involves being a part of communities; supporting their needs and helping them try to make things better.

Citi Procurement Services provides strategic sourcing and supplier management partnerships, and they have implemented a Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regional Supplier Diversity program, which promotes the equality of opportunities for local, small and medium sized diverse suppliers to bid for Citi related Supply Contracts.

The objective of the Supplier Diversity program is to access quality suppliers. They have revised processes and procedures to ensure that supplier diversity is embedded into the everyday sourcing process.

“It’s about levelling the playing field—only being able to do business with other large multi-national Corporations cuts Citi off from a diverse talent pool.”

The program will allow access to flexible and innovative supply sources. Diverse SMEs can provide cost savings and high quality, customer-focussed solutions. Citi have also launched a Citi Business Mentoring program where senior Citi managers will have the opportunity to mentor local and diverse suppliers.

“We are delighted to be partnering with East London Business Place to identify local quality, fit to supply businesses. We have requested company profiles from ELBP for prospective tender opportunities and we are committed to assisting diverse suppliers in their growth and development. As we look to the future,we recognize that working with a wide range of professional, diverse suppliers and consultants in the communities we serve is important.”

Victoria Hardie, EMEA Regional Suppler Diversity Manager, Procurement, Citi Business Services