SSP Consultancy: guidance for business owners who are starting, growing, selling or in crisis

My story with you both can’t be summed up in just a few words. I’ve worked with both of you, each in your own role. What I appreciated about Rolf was that I could always turn to him; I knew he was always reachable, which was a great source of reassurance. He always listened, offered advice, and laid out the framework that I could then fill in myself—which gave my self-confidence a real boost. I found him to be a sensible, open, calm, and driven person you could count on, and I truly enjoyed working for him.

Sophie and I clicked right from the start. She’s a real people person, very honest, and a whiz at her job. Of course, it helped that we shared somewhat similar standards and values. It was easy to work with her—we always found a way to make things work. I think I can safely say that we lifted each other to a higher level.

Rolf and Sophie are different, but together they make a great team. What one lacks a bit, the other has in abundance—and vice versa. Perhaps the best example is that on Tuesday I had a wonderful farewell party for my retirement, on Friday I got a call from Rolf saying that problems had arisen with my successor, and on Monday I went back to work as if nothing had happened. You only do that for people who are close to your heart.

Rolf and Sophie, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for those amazing, fantastic years that Igot to work with you!!!

We’ve had the pleasure of working with Sophie and Rolf for many years through the wine business and have always really valued their advice, experience and way of working. They have a great ability to understand both the business and the people behind it, bringing fresh ideas and practical guidance without ever overcomplicating things.

They’re knowledgeable, creative, reliable and very easy to work with — and, just as importantly, genuinely lovely people. Over the years they’ve become trusted friends as well as people we very much value working with, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.

I worked with Rolf and Sophie for over five years, including at Meerssen Papier (Marsna Paper), where they were managing director and owner, and later also at World Wide Talents. Rolf has strong analytical skills, is sharp, and excels with numbers. He thinks on his feet, responds appropriately, and quickly gets to the heart of complex issues. At the same time, he is practical and a pleasure to work with.

Sophie has extensive expertise in the areas of human resources, organization, and safety. Even withbroader projects, she is able to quickly gain an overview and, drawing on her experience, arrive at concrete and workable solutions.

It is precisely this combination of their strengths that I find so powerful: analytical and business-oriented on the one hand, people and organization on the other. This enables them to advise entrepreneurs from various perspectives and help them move forward in a practical way.

As a wine importer in Belgium, I worked with Sophie and Rolf. With her background as an importer of Australian wines, Sophie has extensive knowledge of wine. We organized events together. Sophie and Rolf also handled the Dutch customs declarations for the wines I imported from Belgium to the Netherlands.

They handled everything professionally and with the utmost precision. They’re very approachable, easy to work with, and always provide a quick answer to every question. Working with them isn’t just a professional business relationship—it’s characterized above all by a high level of commitment, reliability, and discretion.

Sophie and Rolf have been instrumental to me with my current business. I have always been ok with the practical working side of it, but honestly not so good with the running, organisation and growth aspect.

They came in when I was in a lull, and they pulled me out of it with compassion, clarity and thankfully bags of patience! I feel that they have been way more than just business advisors, I have felt that I have had life coaches alongside me too. They clearly have years of professional expertise, but what also comes across massively is how much they care. They are dedicated, astute and kind, and I would recommend them to everyone.

Although I mainly work with Sophie, I hold both Sophie and Rolf in high esteem as an enthusiastic yet realistic duo with more than enough experience for my start-up. Loyal and committed, they

honour their commitments and contribute valuable insights from the wonderful dual perspective of both professionalism and human focus.

Sophie and Rolf have been invaluable to me. As a young entrepreneur, I came up against questions I couldn’t resolve on my own: how to manage a good working relationship with your business partner, which financial decisions are sensible, and challenges with staff. They listened carefully, asked the right questions and, thanks to their wealth of experience, were able to accurately assess the risks in my situation. They’re also honest. That can be a bit of a blow at times, but it was precisely because of that that I got the help I really needed. What I’ve taken away most of all is the feeling that I wasn’t on my own. They gave me peace of mind and confidence, exactly when I needed it most. I’d highly recommend them to any entrepreneur looking for an honest, experienced perspective.

As Finance Manager, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sophie Pluim at Filtropa for 10 years.

As HR Manager, she knows better than anyone how to create a positive and cheerful atmosphere in which everyone feels valued, seen, and heard.

She has a special talent for giving people the confidence they need to bring out the best in themselves.

Sophie expresses her gratitude when appropriate, which makes her appreciation for colleagues and employees sincere and palpable. In addition, she is an excellent negotiator who always puts the common good first.

At Filtropa, the team was small, so everyone took on multiple roles. In addition to her HR responsibilities, Sophie took charge of the quality management system in a highly inspiring way, placing a strong emphasis on teamwork.

As a colleague and management team member, she is an immense asset. You can have a candid conversation with her in complete confidence, where openness and respect are always central.

In short, she is an inspiring professional and a truly wonderful person to work with.

With you, we can move mountains!

Sophie, thank you for a decade that I look back on with great gratitude.

For me, working with Rolf and Sophie means much more than just a professional collaboration. They have not only guided me in my work, but also through an important new chapter in my life. With their willingness to listen, honest advice and trust, they have helped me grow into the person I am today and the person I’ve always wanted to be. They have taught me that good things take time.

They’ve also given me a valuable insight into the world of property. It was particularly nice to be on the other side of the partnership for a change. Their transparency, direct communication and personal approach made the whole process very enjoyable. I’m grateful to them for everything they’ve contributed, both professionally and personally.