Communication between municipalities and entrepreneurs is often fragmented: letters by mail, separate emails, messages via portals. Entrepreneurs lack overview, municipalities lack structure. "We all want simplicity and clarity. The Berichtenbox for businesses offers a solution that we should embrace together," says Eric Schunselaar, business analyst at the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG).
The Berichtenbox for businesses offers municipalities the opportunity to take their communications to the next level. From tax assessments to permit applications, everything can be faster, safer and more efficient. With support from the VNG and practical experience, municipalities can make this switch. Schunselaar aptly says, "The message box is not a luxury - it is the building block of modern government."
In conversations with municipalities, Schunselaar sees the same thing over and over again: both municipalities and entrepreneurs struggle with fragmented communication. "Entrepreneurs receive messages via e-mail, portals, mail - they miss the overview," he says. "The message box offers a solution by bringing all that communication together in 1 central place. It prevents chaos and creates clarity for both parties."
The power of the Berichtenbox is not only in overview, but also in interaction. Schunselaar cites a personal example: "I recently applied online for a parking permit from the municipality of Rotterdam. Within a minute I had the permit. That's service that really makes you happy as a resident."
The message box supports both simple notifications and two-way traffic. Think of a permit for a neighborhood party - often only a short exchange of information is needed for this. The message box also offers advantages for one-way traffic. A practical example is the sending of tax assessments. "For citizens, this is already largely done digitally via MijnOverheid," Schunselaar explains. "But for entrepreneurs, this is still often done by mail. There is still profit to be made there."
Still, implementing the message box is not always easy. Municipalities must integrate it into their existing systems, such as case systems or permit software. Large municipalities with more resources are already on their way. For smaller municipalities, the step is more complex. "That is why we as VNG, together with RVO, actively support municipalities in the implementation," Schunselaar explains. "By acting together, we create a shared approach. And that lowers the threshold."
For municipalities still unsure about using the Berichtenbox, Schunselaar has a tip: "Just start. Use it, discover the possibilities and limitations, and give VNG feedback. Only by doing, will we find out how we can make the Berichtenbox even better. It is a process of learning and improving. Sending tax assessments via the Berichtenbox can be a low-threshold first step. This not only helps reduce paper flows, but also ensures that entrepreneurs receive their assessments safely and on time."
