In today's digitalised world, news is typically generated, transmitted and perceived differently than just twenty years ago. While in the past traditional journalists were the only intermediaries, the advent of social media has seen the rise of opinion leaders, influencers and bloggers. To an increasing degree, companies are also communicating directly with their target groups. Everywhere, everyone is vying for attention. Trends, topics and issues must be primed for dissemination through a wide variety of channels. While in the past press releases were planned well in advance, speed and flexibility are paramount today: news and information is increasingly disseminated via videos and short messages.

It's not easy to get noticed and generate interest in this environment. Companies have to understand who their stakeholders are and what interests them, how the company is perceived and what is expected of it, and how it can engage with its stakeholders to manage and align these interests, opinions and expectations.

These are the challenges we tackle.

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria are gaining significance on the capital markets for two reasons in particular. On the one hand, demographic change is resulting in assets flowing increasingly to younger generations and to women: a clientele that holds ESG criteria in high regard, particularly when it comes to investing. On the other, financial market experts are also increasingly using ESG criteria to assess the risks of potential investments.

Furthermore, legislators have considerably expanded the legal requirements that apply to mandatory sustainability reports. For instance, the act implementing the CSR Directive in Germany sets out new reporting obligations, in particular for large, listed companies with more than 500 employees. This requires that companies place a greater focus in their reports on material non-financial aspects such as social and ecological issues, human rights and anti-corruption measures than had previously been the case.

This makes professional sustainability communications a must. At the same time, it's an opportunity for companies to set themselves apart from the competition.