Issuemakers

Based in Amstelveen, Netherlands, Issuemakers is a strategic communications and public affairs agency that focuses on helping organizations navigate the complex intersection of business, politics, and society. Founded in 2007 by Mayke van Keep and Sybrig van Keep, the agency specializes in what it calls "issuemaking" and "issuemanagement"—the art of turning potential threats into opportunities. With a team of around 15 professionals, Issuemakers operates from its headquarters in Amstelveen and is now part of the Rud Pedersen Group, giving it a broader European reach while maintaining its Dutch roots.

Core Expertise: Issue Management and Public Agenda Setting

Issuemakers’ core competency lies in helping clients identify, anticipate, and shape public debates that affect their reputation and business continuity. The agency’s approach is rooted in the idea that issues—whether social, political, or regulatory—can be transformed into strategic advantages. By focusing on public agenda setting, Issuemakers helps organizations understand how their actions and messages will be perceived by key audiences, including policymakers, media, and the general public. This requires a deep understanding of the Dutch political and media landscape, which the agency has cultivated since its founding. The team’s expertise in crisis management ensures that when issues escalate, clients are prepared to respond quickly and effectively.

Services and Capabilities

Issuemakers offers a range of services designed to support clients throughout the issue lifecycle—from early detection to resolution. The agency’s work is built on a foundation of media monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and content management. Below are the key services Issuemakers typically provides:

• Public affairs and government relations
• Media engagement and press event management
• Issue management and crisis communication
• Corporate communications and reputation management
• Social marketing and digital campaigns
• Stakeholder relations and engagement strategies
• Press release writing and distribution
• Content management and strategic messaging
• Public agenda setting and thought leadership

In addition to client work, Issuemakers contributes to the broader field of public relations through annual initiatives. The agency publishes the Issue Calendar, which highlights key social and political dates that could impact organizations. It also supports the Issue Award and organizes the Issue Congress, events that bring together professionals to discuss developments in issue management and communications.

Client Base and Typical Engagements

Issuemakers serves a diverse range of clients, including companies, government institutions, and social organizations across the Netherlands. The agency’s client work often involves helping organizations communicate on sensitive topics, such as regulatory changes, environmental issues, or public health matters. Because Issuemakers is part of the Rud Pedersen Group, it can also tap into a network of offices across Europe, making it a suitable partner for clients with cross-border concerns. The agency’s team of around 15 professionals works closely with clients to develop tailored strategies that align with their business goals and values.

Issuemakers is a good fit for organizations that face complex public debates, regulatory challenges, or reputational risks. The agency’s expertise in issue management and public affairs makes it particularly valuable for companies in regulated industries, such as energy, healthcare, or technology, as well as for government bodies and non-profits that need to engage with stakeholders effectively. Based in Amstelveen, Netherlands, Issuemakers combines local knowledge with a European perspective, offering a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach to communications.