Building a diverse supply base is at the heart of mutuality

Coventry Building Society’s place-based strategy means that giving people the power to be better off through life focuses on people and the economy in the West Midlands (which is 38% non-white). They have increased the number of diverse suppliers (local firms, small businesses and organisations owned and managed by underrepresented groups) to 18% of the supplier base. This has been achieved through featuring diversity in their supplier code of conduct and sustainable procurement policy, partnering with the Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub and Kaleida, and using social media and events to build access and skills for diverse suppliers.