David trained as a journalist in print and broadcasting before gaining BA (hons) in communications at University. He joined the BBC as a reporter in 1984, was later appointed News Editor at BBC Wiltshire Sound (the youngest in the BBC), and moved to television in Bristol producing regional news, before managing BBC local radio stations.

David also worked as a Producer on Radio Four's Today programme and BBC TV Newsnight. He reported on the Miners' Strike, the Zeebrugge disaster, and the Great Storm, and led BBC teams covering the Clapham rail disaster and Lyme Bay canoe tragedy among others. In his BBC career he won several awards.

In 1994, David Bennett joined Dorset County Council as its Head of Communications. His last eight years before co-founding Crown Media was managing Media and Communications at Southampton City Council. David was also an RAF reserve officer working in media operations. He has served across Europe and Asia including extended spells in Iraq and Afghanistan, the latter as Chief of Media Operations for NATO in the country.

David uses his extensive media skills and experience to train many people at all levels, both as individuals and in a classroom setting. He is also experienced in running 'simulated' activities, creating challenging and realistic multi-media environments.

David is an acknowledged expert in emergency and crisis communications, and advised the Government's South East Regional Media Emergency Forum. David is an award winning Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations, an Associate Member of the Emergency Planning Society, and a Master Member of the Institute of Videography.

Andy Reeds spent most of his career in the Army where he was heavily involved in public relations, media training and journalism. For five years Andy was responsible for providing specialist media advice, training and simulation and more than 11,000 people have learned to communicate effectively through the media from him.

His range of training experience is extensive. Specialisms include the preparation of personnel to work in international organisations such as the United Nations and alongside Non-Governmental Organisations and charities. On behalf of the UK Government, Andy has trained personnel from over 90 overseas government organisations to improve and develop their ability to communicate effectively through the media.

Andy is the UK's leading expert on the integration of realistic media simulation into training exercises and crisis rehearsals. This ranges from small workshop sessions to exercises involving in excess of 350 players from across the armed forces and blue-light emergency services.

A significant aspect has involved the prediction of future developments in journalism and its supporting technologies, planning of training strategies which ensure that personnel are prepared for changes in the media environment.

He is a regular lecturer on media planning and communication to government officials in Europe and Africa. He is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.