National Grid has been named a 2011 ‘Best of the Best’ winner by Black EOE Journal for our supplier diversity programme. This is the first time National Grid has been named to the list and we are the only East Coast utility to earn this recognition.

National Grid joins 50 top supplier diversity companies selected by Olive Tree Publishing Inc. after a confidential and comprehensive review of our diversity plan and policies.

Since National Grid revamped our supplier diversity program in 2009, the company has developed a Supplier Diversity Policy to support our strategy and goals. And the results are clear: Diverse spend increased to more than $600 million in 2010/2011. This includes about $250 million spent with minority and women-owned suppliers.

National Grid partners with key organizations to provide contracting opportunities for certified minority and women-owned firms in our service area. Earlier this year, we became a founding partner of the New York City Mayor’s Corporate Alliance Programme.

We’re also partnering with the US Black Chamber of Commerce and its School of Management. The company sponsors chamber executives to attend the USBC School to help them build skills to facilitate small business growth and promote economic development.

Related information:
The Black EOE Journal 'Best of the Best' diversity survey evaluates data from independent research organizations, market research, public information, 10-K annual reports, survey responses, interviews and the Black EOE Journal Research Division. Top supplier diversity programs are selected for their programs and policies to develop disadvantaged business owner partnerships and create an effective diverse supplier procurement process.