NBCC is pleased to introduce a member and partner, Bas Batelaan, Managing Partner of Public Matters. Public Matters is a leading public affairs and corporate communications consultancy in the Netherlands, specialising in policy influencing and strategic communication.
Can you provide a brief introduction to yourself and your role at Public Matters?
Public Matters is a leading public affairs and corporate communications firm with offices in The Hague and Amsterdam. Together with our (+/- 50) colleagues at Whyte Corporate Affairs – LINK Home - Whyte (Belgium) and Whyte EU LINK: Whyte EU – Where strategy meets results (Brussels), we provide strategic advice and advocacy services to a diverse range of clients across the Benelux and at EU level.
I have been part of the Public Matters team since 2018 and currently serve as Managing Partner, where I am responsible for guiding our strategic direction and supporting our clients in navigating complex political and regulatory environments.
What inspired the establishment of Public Matters, and how has the company evolved since its inception?
Public Matters was founded in 2001 with the mission to help organisations navigate complex political landscapes and effectively communicate their messages to policymakers and stakeholders in the Netherlands and at EU level.
Since then, we have grown significantly. In 2025, we joined forces with Whyte Corporate Affairs and Whyte EU, forming a strong Benelux powerhouse in public affairs and corporate communications, further strengthening our cross-border capabilities.
What makes Public Matters stand out in the field of public affairs and corporate communication?
Our strength lies in our team of 33 experienced professionals with backgrounds in politics, journalism, and various industry sectors. This diversity enables us to offer sharp insights and highly tailored strategies.
Equally important is our strong commitment to ethical lobbying and transparency, which underpins everything we do.
What types of clients does Public Matters typically work with?
We work with a broad range of clients, including multinational corporations, non-profit organisations, industry associations, and governmental bodies. Our clients operate across sectors such as healthcare, finance, technology, and energy.
Our approach is always tailored: we take the time to understand each client’s specific needs and develop solutions that align with their objectives and values.
How does Public Matters contribute to effective policymaking?
We believe that effective policymaking depends on constructive engagement and informed dialogue between the public and private sectors. Our role is to facilitate this dialogue by leveraging our networks and providing accurate information, insightful analysis, and strategic advice.
What are some of the key services you offer?
Our services include strategic public affairs advice, stakeholder engagement, media relations, policy analysis, lobbying campaigns, and crisis management. We also offer training and workshops across these areas.
What are your goals for the future?
Our ambition is to remain a leading firm in public affairs and corporate communications, while continuing to expand our reach and impact across the Netherlands, Belgium, and potentially other European markets.
We are committed to fostering ethical and effective public-private partnerships that contribute to societal well-being and sustainable development.
How can Public Matters support members of the Netherlands-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC)?
We are well-positioned to support NBCC members with a wide range of public affairs and lobbying needs. With offices in The Hague and Amsterdam, and close collaboration with our Belgian and EU teams, we offer expertise on Dutch, Belgian, and EU legislation and policy.
This includes areas such as trade policy, sustainability and environmental regulation, digital transformation, and labour and employment law. We also understand the complexities of the post-Brexit landscape, including customs, market access, and regulatory alignment.
Whether it is influencing policy, engaging stakeholders, or developing advocacy strategies, we provide comprehensive support to help NBCC members achieve their objectives.
How can organisations get in touch with Public Matters?
Organisations interested in our services are welcome to contact us via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at +31 6 19858401. More information is available on our website: www.publicmatters.eu.
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