Highlighting our members – Andy Sillett

Each month we’re going to showcase some of our valued members in the Company of Communicators.

This month, we’re speaking to Andy Sillett, who is based in Kingston Upon Thames. He started his journalistic career as an Old Bailey court reporter before moving to Fleet Street working on The Sun, Sunday People, & News of the World, among others. In the 90s he covered the Bosnia War before joining Talk Radio. He later went on to set up AMI which was then sold to WPP and is now part of Onclusive. Today, he has a portfolio career, with causes and organisations that are important to him, from ghost-writing to photography and political comms. He is also a Councillor at The Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames.

How long have you been in Communications?

“Over 40 years!”

How did you came to Communications? 

“After doing my NCTJ, I started out as a reporter at Central News, covering the Old Bailey. I then moved to News International, then onto Fleet Street and later to Talk Radio before founding a media planning business with my wife, Sarah Wait. I love photography, which is a huge part of my life now – I do a lot of events in the City of London and continue to support organisations and charities such as Pollinating London Together.”

What has been a highlight of working in Communications? 

“I feel I should narrow my gaze and say something like “I’ve seen attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion” but to be honest, all my stories quickly became yesterday’s news. One of the things I like about photography is that a great image can slowly grow in value as time passes.”

Quick fire questions! 

Why does Comms matter?

“Communication transformed us from being scavengers halfway down the food chain to what we are now, so it has a lot to answer for. Despite being a fundamental human activity and one of the most powerful tools we have, effective communication characterised by clear, concise, and understood messages is not a common skill.”

What is your favourite podcast and why? 

“The Rest is Politics: in these times, I guess it’s reassuring to listen to informed, intelligent, civilised, centrist conversation.”

What tip would you give to a journalist and why?

“Be curious. Everyone has a story but often doesn’t realise it.”

If you would like to learn more about how to join the company, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the clerk, Ian Wingfield, who can be reached on email - clerk@companyofcommunicators.org