Source : Procurement Leaders
US-headquartered office supplies company will open up its global procurement contracts to smaller firms
The company has joined Supplier Connection, a group of 15 large businesses which has committed to simplifying access to their global supply chains. This scheme aims to simplify the application process for small businesses seeking to become suppliers to the member companies.
It offers a web-based portal to enable small businesses to present their goods and services to the large enterprises with the goal of winning contracts, expanding business and creating jobs.
The website also enables small suppliers to collaborate with, and sell to each other so that they can become more competitive in a bid with a large company.
“As an integral part of our diverse supply chain, it’s very important for Office Depot to help small businesses succeed,” said Brent Beabout, senior vice president of supply chain for Office Depot.
“By joining Supplier Connection, we are providing an easy way for small businesses to tell us about their products and services, so that they can potentially grow their business and ours.”
Office Depot stressed that it already has several small businesses in its supply chain, including women-owned Neutral Posture, a company that manufactures, markets and distributes ergonomic chairs for computer users and other office employees; and Arbill, a distributor of personal protective equipment, supplies and apparel.
The company said it hosts match-making sessions throughout the year to help promote the connection of small businesses to large companies.
The Supplier Connection programme is maintained by IBM through a grant of more than $10m from the IBM International Foundation. The programme is free for both small and large businesses.