BT has, for some time, been at the forefront of the evolving equality and diversity agenda, and has been particularly active in establishing the business case for diversity.

This business case is compelling; its commercial importance both in employment and service provision to today's diverse customer base puts it at the heart of our business objectives. However, if we are to embrace the benefits of diversity it must be truly reflected throughout our operations, including our supply chain. This is essential if we are to create competitive advantage. In an organisation of BT's size and scope the opportunities are significant.

BT conducts a vast range of procurement activities with our suppliers around the globe. This is spent on an incredibly wide range of goods and services, ranging from major network and IT equipment to cleaning services.

We are committed to creating a diverse supply chain by working with Minority Business Enterprise through our Supplier Diversity Initiative. The success of the initiative to date has proven that Minority Business Enterprise possess the richness of skills and expertise that we need to engage. These enterprises help us to ensure that our products and services reflect the diversity of the markets we serve.

Effective working relationships with suppliers are increasingly being identified as a critical success factor for business as everyone seeks to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of the value chain. Only by developing successful and meaningful relationships such as BT's Supplier Diversity initiative will BT be able to develop our understanding of the opportunities presented by the people whose business forms our supply chain. These people and the organisations of which they are part will help us to create a variety of solutions that will increase the potential for sustainable growth and increased wealth across the diverse communities in which we all live and work.