Yes—and it’s usually easier than you might think. SMEs in particular benefit from getting started early: their structures are more manageable, decision-making processes are shorter, and adjustments can be made more quickly. They don’t need the kind of system a large corporation has. They need documentation and processes that fit their size and actual needs—no more, no less.

By taking an honest look at the current situation. First, we identify the actual requirements you’ll face—whether from customers, retailers, or regulators. This helps us determine what you really need and in what order. This way, you avoid wasting resources on documents that no one is asking for, and you quickly gain clarity on the next concrete steps.

This is the case for many small and medium-sized businesses—and that’s exactly where I come in as your external sustainability officer.

I’ll fill the role that’s currently missing in your team—serving as your dedicated point of contact for ESG issues, with a clearly defined number of hours per month. You’ll benefit from the expertise of an in-house position without having to create one. Plus, you won’t need to retrain any employees and can focus on your core tasks with peace of mind.

It is often the large companies that are directly subject to regulations—but almost everyone is indirectly affected. Even if you yourself are not subject to a regulation, your major clients will pass on questionnaires, data requests, and documentation requirements to you. What starts out as an “issue for large corporations” ends up on your suppliers’ desks within months. During our initial consultation, we’ll clarify exactly which regulations will apply to you and when.

Yes—if approached in a structured way. Even though companies may initially believe that investing in sustainability measures is expensive, when properly prioritized, sustainability pays off financially—for example, through more efficient processes, lower supply chain risks, and a stronger market position. In addition, regulatory and market requirements are constantly increasing.

What starts as an effort eventually becomes routine and a clear competitive advantage over competitors who are still approaching the issue in a disorganized manner.

I will help you develop customized strategies and implement them in a way that ensures they are both effective and cost-effective.

In three phases. First, a free initial consultation to assess your situation. Then, depending on your needs, either a project with a clearly defined scope, timeline, and fixed price—or ongoing support as an external sustainability consultant with a monthly retainer. You’ll always know what’s coming, what it will cost, and what the next step is.

You’ll have an initial understanding after the first consultation—which takes about 20 minutes. A preliminary, reliable assessment takes one to three weeks, depending on the scope of the project. A complete ESG documentation package is typically produced within three to six months, depending on the starting point. We work in clear phases so that you can see tangible progress along the way.