General Information: Comprehensive Module
Shel
The general information to be disclosed under the comprehensive module is contained in C1 and C2.
The reporting company should disclose key information regarding its business model and strategy, including:
a description of significant groups of products/services offered;
a description of significant markets the company operates in;
a description of its main business relationships e.g. key suppliers, customer distribution channels1 and consumers;
a brief description of key elements that relate to or affect sustainability issues, contained in the strategy.
A business strategy is a holistic plan or set of actions an organization implements to achieve its long-term objectives, outperform the competition, and, in many cases, sustain profitability. The strategy may outline how a company will allocate resources, respond to market demands, and differentiate itself from competitors. Business strategies typically involve decisions on product offerings, market positioning, pricing, internal operations, and other key areas that drive the organization’s success in its industry.
A business model defines how a company creates, delivers, and captures customer value. The model is defined by a combination of factors such as the target audience, value proposition and revenue streams. It is a comprehensive overview of all relevant business processes and outlines how the business will engage with other players in the market. It is also one of the key factors in moving from an idea to a product-market fit.
Successful companies start with their mission and vision, i.e. their reasons to exist. The mission and vision are the starting point for building a business strategy. The strategy is the blueprint for achieving the company’s mission. Once a business strategy exists, the team can create one or multiple business models to experiment with.
A company’s strategy sets the overall direction, defining goals, competitive positioning, and resource allocation. It’s business model translates these strategic plans into actionable steps that drive revenue and deliver value to customers.
When disclosing information on its main consumer and supplier relationships, the reporting company should disclose the estimated number of suppliers and, their related sectors and geographies.
The reporting company should briefly describe the practices, policies, targets and future initiatives it has put in place for transitioning towards a more sustainable economy, as required by B2. A template for disclosing this information can be found on page 213 of the standard.
The company may also indicate the most senior level in the company, accountable for implementing them.
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Footnotes
Customer distribution channels are the methods a company uses to get its products or services to the end consumer, encompassing both direct and indirect approaches like online stores, retail stores, or through intermediaries like distributors or retailers.↩︎