Our corporate purchasing policy therefore stems from the premise of ensuring that the highest standards of quality and service along with commercial ethics are put into practice. This Purchasing Policy is based on the following principles:

• Equal opportunities for all offers.
  
  
• Transparency and documentation of all contracts awarded.
  
  
• Stability in our commercial dealings.
  
  
• Cordial and polite treatment, avoiding unnecessary upsets, to improve the fluidity of our dealings.
  
  
• Promotion of responsible practices.

Aware of the important role of NH Hoteles in driving responsibility to the entire value chain, in 2007 we compiled a Supplier Ethics Code which ensures that our suppliers respect human rights, good labour practices, environmental practices and the international anticorruption fight. Not only do we demand compliance with certain ethical standards but we also select those potential suppliers whose policies are in line with ours and in accordance with the strategy of the NH Hoteles group, fostering procurement of socially responsible suppliers.

We also foster procurement of suppliers that favour the inclusion of underprivileged groups and diversity and we can highlight our high turnover of business with Flisa – almost €M6/year - the industrial laundry group that belongs to Fundosa which seeks to generate stable and quality employment for disabled persons.

The opinion of our suppliers and the joint effort is fundamental for NH Hoteles as we look to improve our processes and enhance the value chain. In 2007 we therefore carried out the first supplier satisfaction survey through which they were able to give their opinions and suggestions on NH Hoteles. In this first supplier satisfaction survey, 93% of suppliers to NH Hoteles consider the performance of the Purchasing Department as very good.