A number of top law firms are seeking membership of Minority Supplier Development UK (MSDUK), the not-for-profit organisation that links large private sector businesses with ethnic minority businesses, according to its director Mayank Shah.


His comments come after national firm Eversheds became the first law firm to join the organisation this week.



Shah told the Gazette he had spoken to five other law firms, including 'top' names. 'They want to develop a more inclusive supply chain and there are quality minority businesses with which they can link up', he said, listing stationery and IT providers as examples.



Jennifer Powell, head of procurement at Eversheds, said: 'MSDUK is working to provide a vital link between companies such as ourselves and some of the most vibrant sectors of the economy that previously were unsure of how to approach corporations.'



MSDUK, which was formed in July 2006, has 38 member corporations across a wide range of ?sectors. It focuses on arranging business meetings between the procurement departments of large companies and smaller ethnic minority suppliers.



James Dean