What is the government's policy in a particular area, how do you influence that policy, which officials, politicians or administrators do you need to talk to and what should you tell them? These are questions that virtually all businesses and organisations regularly run into. Castro will help you with them.
For many businesses and organisations, government ʻspeaks a different languageʼ. In their daily work, most entrepreneurs and administrators do not talk about motions and amendments, legislative changes, draft zoning plans, subsidy regulations and permit procedures. Yet it is important to know what is going on "in politics. Sooner or later, it can affect your business operations (tremendously). Castro has extensive political experience and knowledge and a good network. We advise companies and organisations on how best to approach their lobbying. It is crucial to start doing this in advance.
The world of politics and lobbying is dynamic. It is important to have the right contacts and respond to current developments. It is also crucial to make friends "when you don't need them yet. By building good relationships, your point of view and position will be well heard or you may even get "a seat at the table. Castro assists many companies and organisations to deal with this in the most effective way possible and also helps make contacts.
Lobbying is a skill on its own. Castro Communications trains (new) administrators and directors and others involved in effective lobbying. We do this interactively, with realistic and challenging cases and examples.
Uber | Communications
Uber requested Castro Communications for support in the field of (corporate) communications. We have been assisting Uber with strategy, communications and media since 2021.
"I have come to know Castro as a very hands-on agency in that they are always accessible and quick to respond. It is nice to spar with Castro on strategy and they have an excellent network."
Rick Janse Kok | Uber, Head of Communications Northern Europe
Gilat Foundation | Communications
Making children in hospitals forget for a moment that they are sick. That is the goal of Gilat Foundation, interactive theater for children in academic children's hospitals. Almost immediately after Castro Communications started in 2019, we started helping Stichting Gilat with their communications. The foundation is now active in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Nijmegen and on Curaçao.
"Gilat Foundation has the dream of providing interactive theater to all sick children in the Netherlands and in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. Castro has been very involved in helping us for years with contacts with the government and putting our foundation well on the map."
Jair Eisenmann | Chairman Gilat Foundation
Pathé | Lobby
Pathé engaged Castro for stakeholder liaison support, with a focus on the theaters' immediate surroundings:
"For a company like Pathé, it is important to have good contacts with the surrounding area of our theaters. We asked Castro Communications to guide our theater managers in this regard. The main message from Stefan and Frits: "Make friends when you don't need them yet." Our managers have received many useful tips and are very enthusiastic."
Jacques Hoendervangers | CEO Pathé Netherlands
Do you know how to effectively lobby for your causes and goals?
Knowing what favourable or unfavourable policies may be coming is an important first step for a company or organisation. It is just as important to stand up for your interests in the right way and at the right time. Castro helps with this.
Can you clearly communicate your views to your stakeholders?
Do you know where to turn to achieve your (lobbying) goals? At Castro, we don't believe in unnecessarily thick reports and plans. What's important is that you have a clear picture of which stakeholders play a role in the issues that are important to your company or organisation.
How effective is your organization's public affairs strategy?