This article highlights some of the main points covered by an independent review published by HowtoESG. The views expressed in the review are those of the author, but we welcome the discussion it raises about proportionate approaches to responsible procurement of small suppliers and how to identify social value in small business supply chains.

How do large organisations identify responsible small suppliers without asking them to complete the same ESG processes as multinational organisations?

According to recent government estimates, there are 5.64 million small businesses in the UK. About three quarters of these have no employees. Another 20% have 1-9 employees. 

One of the biggest challenges in responsible procurement is identifying genuinely responsible small suppliers and knowing how to support them.

It’s a problem many procurement and sustainability teams are facing. While responsible procurement is becoming increasingly important, many ESG frameworks were never designed with small businesses, micro businesses and sole traders in mind. 

As a result, genuinely responsible businesses can be overlooked among larger “SMEs” that have the time and resources to pursue more extensive certifications.

Designed for bigger organisations, these frameworks leave small businesses, micro businesses and sole traders facing processes that simply aren’t proportionate to their size.

Instead of adapting corporate frameworks, the Organisation for Responsible Businesses can offer valuable alternatives: ORB members are vetted via a 3-stage membership application process. The Responsible Business Standard is a robust and evidence-based certification. Both options start from a different viewpoint.

What does responsible business look like for a business of this size?

A recent independent article by HowtoESG explores this challenge in depth, asking an important question:

If technical questionnaires aren’t the answer for small suppliers, what is?

The article examines a range of responsible business frameworks before taking a closer look at ORB’s Responsible Business Standard. 

Rather than comparing it directly with certifications created for much larger organisations, it considers the different role the Standard plays: helping small businesses demonstrate responsible practice in ways that are appropriate and proportionate to their size, resources, and impact.

Responsible business and procurement is about more than carbon reporting

One of the aspects we particularly appreciate is the author’s recognition that responsible business extends well beyond environmental reporting.

It also includes ethics, community engagement, workplace culture, business resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

These are all areas that matter when assessing responsible suppliers, particularly smaller businesses that may not have dedicated sustainability teams.

A different approach to responsible business

The article argues that established ESG certifications, including frameworks such as B Corp and EcoVadis, do provide value. However, they can demand significant time, documentation and organisational change that isn’t always realistic for sole traders and micro businesses.

Rather than expecting businesses to produce extensive technical documentation or complex carbon reporting, the Responsible Business Standard assesses six core areas — ethics, community, workplace, environment, business continuity and continuous improvement — through independent assessment and a practical development plan.

The article also highlights that ORB’s membership process — which is separate from certification — involves values-based interviews and due diligence before businesses join. This makes membership itself a meaningful indicator of responsible practice rather than a subscription or paid-for listing. It acts as a signal.

Alongside certification, ORB’s Responsible Business Directory offers procurement and sustainability teams a practical way to identify genuinely responsible small suppliers without expecting or asking them to become miniature corporations.

Read the full independent review

As procurement expectations continue to evolve, HowtoESG’s article offers a timely perspective on how responsible business can be recognised fairly across organisations of every size.

For procurement professionals, sustainability teams and small businesses interested in responsible procurement, it provides a thoughtful discussion about recognising responsible practice in ways that are proportionate, practical and meaningful.

Read the full independent review here: https://howtoesg.org/supporting-the-smallest-uk-suppliers-towards-responsible-business-a-look-at-orb-membership-and-the-responsible-business-standard-certification/