Among others, we work for
We have already worked with and for more than seventy companies, organisations and governments. From large to small and from multinational to local companies and organisations.
Do you see opportunities for your sector but can't get policymakers to move? Are you not being heard by politicians?
Castro helps your organization with smart, strategic lobbying. With us, no blabla, but concrete results. From day one, we can put you in touch with the relevant politicians and administrators. That's how you get your message to the right place.
More influence and more results - with a lobbying strategy that works for you and your business.
Do you want your voice to be heard in The Hague or among local decision-makers? In the complex political playing field, a smart lobbying strategy ensures that your interests are truly on the agenda. Castro Amsterdam ensures that you are not only visible, but also taken seriously.
Together we identify who can make the difference for you and how to reach those people effectively. Together we create a strategic plan that fits your goals and the dynamics of the political arena. Never standard advice, but tailor-made work that works.
With the knowledge of our consultants, their experience in government and a powerful network at all levels of government, you will always be one step ahead. We make sure that you are prepared and convincing - with a story that appeals and stays with you. Together we work on the change you want.
In short: with Castro by your side, you will increase your influence, build lasting relationships and achieve measurably more.
We have already worked with and for more than seventy companies, organisations and governments. From large to small and from multinational to local companies and organisations.
Uber | Communications
Uber is a technology company best known for its ride-sharing app, which connects passengers with drivers of private vehicles through a mobile app. In addition to passenger transportation, Uber also offers delivery services such as Uber Eats, which allows people to order meals from local restaurants and have them delivered. Uber's EMEA headquarters is located in the Netherlands.
In 2021, Uber reached out to Castro for communications support. Uber specifically sought our expertise to develop and refine their communications strategy, with the goal of getting their messages across clearly and effectively.
Our services for Uber range from strategic advice on key announcements and activities to hands-on execution, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Among other things, we help develop new campaigns, guide media requests and liaise with the press. This led, among other things, to extensive interviews with Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi in the Telegraaf and EW Magazine.
"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
Flink | Communications & Lobby
Flink delivers groceries quickly that can be ordered online through its app or website. The "flash delivery company" engaged Castro in late 2021. At the time, there were many discussions with various municipalities about where delivery companies could or could not set up shop. Different municipalities handled the flash delivery phenomenon very differently. Some saw it as retail, others did not. The result: a lot of uncertainty about where you could or could not open a location. Castro has been supporting Flink for three years now with contacts with governments and the media. For the Netherlands and regularly for the headquarters.
By making many contacts and having conversations with aldermen and officials of all the more than 40 municipalities where Flink operates and by pursuing a proactive media policy, the image about flash delivery has improved enormously. It led, for example, to extensive interviews in the Volkskrant and the Telegraaf in 2023 with Flink director Kiesler about how the company ensured all the improvements.
Flink itself has grown so fast that more than a million Dutch people have now ordered from the company.
"Flink has become very popular in a short period of time. We have a lot of contact with the environment of our hubs, the media and the government. Castro is helping us with that excellently. Fast and pragmatic."
Robin Kiesler | General Manager Flink Netherlands
Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine | Lobby & Communications
J&J Innovative Medicine Netherlands (formerly Janssen, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson) approached Castro in the summer of 2023. The company asked if, in the run-up to the Lower House elections, we could organize an election activity around the theme of healthcare. Eventually, in consultation with J&J and the other two clients (Amgen and MSD), an election debate was chosen.
The organization of the debate ended up being a co-production of Castro and New Balls Please Netherlands (our joint venture together with Belgian event organizer New Balls Please). Humberto Tan acted as debate leader and Frits Huffnagel as co-host. Participants included Fleur Agema (PVV), Mona Keijzer (BBB) and Sophie Hermans (VVD). Many thousands of guests watched live online via telegraaf.nl.
NPO found the recording and debate so successful that the broadcaster broadcast the election debate many times until the elections on NPO Politics.The success of the debate in The Hague was repeated in April 2024 ahead of the European elections. In Brussels, Castro EU and New Balls Please organized another debate, this time with Frits Wester as debate leader. The list leaders of D66 and NSC participated, as well as directly eligible candidates from VVD and BBB. Once again, NPO broadcast the debate many times.
"I experienced the cooperation with Castro and New Balls Please as incredibly pleasant. It was a conscious choice because they combine an excellent network in politics and media with a lot of experience in organizing events and all the technology involved. Castro and New Balls Please do not settle for a six, they go for a top result and, as far as I am concerned, they succeeded."
Koen Venekamp | Lead Government Affairs & Policy at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Netherlands
Successful lobbying is only possible with a good strategy and effective stakeholder management. We help you with the right strategy, contacts and support to achieve your goals. We do this at national, provincial, municipal and European level.
Castro helps with the strategic use of communication to achieve your goals. We help you with communication strategy, support in the execution and media guidance, so that you present yourself in the best possible way.
In today's fast-changing world, it is crucial to stay up-to-date on relevant developments. Always stay one step ahead with our extensive political & media monitoring and sharp interpretation.
