Supporting Ireland’s SME Sustainability Leaders: CG Business Consulting’s Partnership with KORE Group on a Landmark VSME Report

 At CG Business Consulting, we believe sustainability reporting should not be reserved for large corporates alone.

Increasingly, SMEs across Ireland are recognising that strong ESG practices, transparent governance and measurable sustainability commitments are becoming essential for long-term growth, stakeholder confidence and future competitiveness.

That is why we were proud to partner with KORE Group on the development of Ireland’s first comprehensive Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME) Sustainability Report that has also been independently third-party verified by EcoVerify.

This milestone marks an important moment not only for KORE Group, but for the wider Irish SME sector.

Moving Sustainability Reporting from Obligation to Opportunity 

For many SMEs, sustainability reporting can feel complex, resource-intensive or disconnected from day-to-day business priorities. However, the reality is changing rapidly. Investors, financial institutions, supply chain partners and customers are increasingly expecting businesses of all sizes to demonstrate accountability across environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters.

The VSME framework offers SMEs a practical and proportionate pathway to begin that journey.

Our role at CG Business Consulting was to work closely with KORE Group to translate sustainability ambition into a structured, credible and measurable reporting framework. The objective was not simply to produce a report, but to help embed sustainability into operational strategy, governance and long-term decision-making.

A Collaborative Approach 

From the outset, KORE Group demonstrated a genuine commitment to transparency, accountability and continuous improvement through its KORE Croí sustainability framework.

Working collaboratively with the KORE leadership team, we supported the business in:

• Assessing material ESG priorities relevant to its operations and stakeholders
• Structuring disclosures in line with the VSME framework
• Developing measurable sustainability metrics and governance processes
• Aligning sustainability initiatives with broader business objectives
• Preparing the report for independent third-party verification

The independent verification process carried out by EcoVerify adds significant credibility to the report and demonstrates the importance of assurance in building stakeholder trust.

Why This Matters for Irish SMEs 

This project highlights an important shift taking place across the Irish business landscape. Sustainability reporting is no longer solely about compliance. It is increasingly becoming a strategic business tool that supports:

• Stronger governance and risk management
• Enhanced access to finance and procurement opportunities
• Greater stakeholder confidence
• Improved operational efficiencies
• Long-term resilience and competitiveness

SMEs that begin preparing now will be significantly better positioned as European sustainability expectations continue to evolve.

Importantly, KORE Group’s leadership demonstrates that family-run and mid-sized businesses can take proactive, credible and practical steps towards ESG transparency without waiting for mandatory requirements to emerge.

Building Practical ESG Strategies 

At CG Business Consulting, we understand that every SME is at a different stage of its sustainability journey. Our approach focuses on making ESG and sustainability reporting practical, achievable and commercially relevant.

Rather than treating sustainability as a standalone exercise, we help businesses integrate ESG considerations into broader business strategy, operations, governance and growth planning.

The partnership with KORE Group reflects the type of collaborative work we are passionate about — supporting ambitious Irish businesses as they navigate evolving sustainability expectations while creating long-term value for their organisations, employees and communities.

Looking Ahead 

The publication of KORE Group’s VSME Sustainability Report sets a strong example for the Irish SME market and demonstrates what can be achieved through leadership, collaboration and a commitment to transparency.

As sustainability reporting continues to evolve, SMEs have an opportunity to move early, build credibility and strengthen their position within increasingly sustainability-focused markets.

We are proud to have supported KORE Group on this landmark project and look forward to helping more Irish businesses develop practical, credible and future-focused ESG strategies.

To learn more about how CG Business Consulting supports SMEs with ESG strategy, sustainability reporting and business transformation, get in touch with our team.

Visit: https://www.cgbusinessconsulting.com/vsme
Or contact the team today to start your VSME journey

💬 Contact us now to begin your journey