Richard Chew and David Simister sat next to each other at school. Now, two decades later, they have pooled their rare blend of skills and expertise, gained from award-winning careers in the complementary fields of journalism and public relations, to spearhead the team at Different.

Richard Chew

In his former career as a journalist, Richard worked on Yorkshire’s biggest newspapers – and newsbreaks. He interviewed everyone from members of the Royal Family and Prime Ministers to mass murderers serving life in maximum security prisons. Once, he even spent an evening in Raquel Welch’s hotel bedroom.

Prior to spearheading the launch of Different in May 2006, he was a Director of one of the UK’s biggest provider of communications services to the public sector, working on a range of high-profile issues very much in the public, press and political spotlight.

His work has contributed to award-winning campaigns featured in print and broadcast media – from The Lancet to The Sun; and he has guided clients through crisis management situations ranging from Watchdog to Panorama.

A trustee of the Yorkshire Heartbeat Appeal, he is currently involved in helping the charity raise £150,000 towards the new cardiac unit at Harrogate District Hospital. He is also Vice Chairman of Bradford Relate and part of the team behind the Born In Bradford international medical research project.

David Simister

David’s last position was that of PR Manager with Yorkshire Water and it is recognised that he played a huge part in re-shaping the company’s PR focus, seeing the communications team twice being named Best Yorkshire %26 Lincolnshire In-House Team and for three years running being short listed for the national crown. His approach has been very un-utility in promoting Yorkshire Water and this unconventional, this different approach, will continue to be used with future clients.

Previous to Yorkshire Water, David worked at the Yorkshire Post (picking up the News Reporter of the Year award in 1997) and before that with the Ackrill Group of newspapers in Harrogate.

For the last 15 years he has been a member of Harrogate Hospital Radio, presenting a regular weekend show, acting as the charity’s press officer and served as its chairman for four years.

David also served for four years on Harrogate Borough Council and sat on its planning committee and was Vice Chairman of the Community Services Commission.

Bodie

Bodie is a 5 year old Labrador that keeps the team here at Different going throughout the year. His personal achievements include; expert bin raiding; 1st class cuteness; and being office trained!

About Different

Different was formed by Richard Chew and David Simister and since its start has gone from strength to strength.

As a high profile public relations agency based in Harrogate, Yorkshire, Different enjoys an enviable county wide reputation with full UK coverage.

Boasting a high profile client list of home grown talent, Different are well placed to give weight and enthusiasm to any PR campaign for individual clients and businesses alike.

Having sat next to each other at school, Richard and David have enjoyed a close working relationship for many years and both have a great love of journalism.

You can contact Richard and David at Different by calling 0845 389 2626 or you can send a confidential email by clicking here.

Call Different Today On 0845 389 2626