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Real challenges. Practical support. Clear outcomes.
Every organisation we work with has a different challenge – a looming interview, an untested crisis plan, a leadership team under pressure or a story that isn't landing.
These case studies show how we approach that work and what changed as a result.
Working with IKEA since 2009
Challenge
IKEA wanted its leaders and subject matter experts to communicate clearly and confidently during media interviews, webinars, panel discussions and other high-profile communications opportunities.
Solution
Since 2009, Media First has delivered tailored media and communication training programmes for IKEA spokespeople. Our practical, journalist-led training focused on message development, interview preparation, handling difficult questions and building confidence in realistic media scenarios.
Outcome
Over a relationship spanning more than 17 years, Media First has helped IKEA develop more confident spokespeople, strengthen its media engagement and support the delivery of successful national media coverage.
"The key strength of Media First's training is the organised and prompt response to queries and requests and having good journalists on their database of trainers. The training is highly effective and good value for money. As a result of the training we have done with Media First, we have had some great national articles and radio broadcasts and have a more confident team of spokespeople.
"
Working with Dogs Trust since 2008
Challenge
Dogs Trust wanted colleagues from across the charity to feel confident speaking to journalists, raising awareness of campaigns and representing the organisation's work through the media.
Solution
Since 2008, Media First has delivered bespoke media training programmes for colleagues throughout Dogs Trust, including veterinary specialists, behaviour experts, communications teams, fundraising professionals and rehoming centre staff.
Outcome
Hundreds of Dogs Trust representatives have benefited from Media First training, helping create a strong network of confident spokespeople capable of representing the charity across print, radio and television opportunities.
""Thank you so much for organising the media training. We were delighted with it, and agree it is one of the most valuable experiences we have had in terms of training for our job. The whole group was enthused and you could see them growing in front of your eyes on the day. I personally was delighted to find the trainers were journalists who are truly at the top of their game. A truly unforgettable day.
Working with Nationwide since 2009
Challenge
Nationwide wanted spokespeople and subject matter experts to explain complex financial topics clearly, confidently and consistently across a wide range of media opportunities.
Solution
For more than 17 years, Media First has delivered tailored media training for representatives from across Nationwide. Training combines practical interview exercises, journalist-led coaching and message development techniques tailored to the needs of financial services spokespeople.
Outcome
Media First has helped Nationwide develop confident, credible spokespeople capable of making complex financial topics accessible to customers, journalists and wider audiences.
"Media First offer a professional service and always tailor their courses to our specific needs. Their trainers are active journalists which makes these practical sessions as close to real life as possible. We always have a good experience.
"
Working with Simplyhealth since 2012
Challenge
Simplyhealth wanted to improve media confidence, strengthen crisis preparedness and ensure communication teams could operate effectively under pressure.
Solution
Since 2012, Media First has delivered media training, crisis communication workshops and realistic simulation exercises designed to test processes, strengthen decision-making and build communication capability.
Outcome
Media First's work has helped Simplyhealth improve crisis preparedness, strengthen communication processes and build greater confidence among communications teams and spokespeople.
"From the moment this realistic crisis scenario test went live the comms team were fielding an increasing barrage of journalist requests, issuing statements, briefing spokespeople and arranging interviews, with the pressure increasing through the day as Media First sent us news reports and TV interviews that took the crisis in different directions. The feedback Media First have given us has been invaluable and we have already sharpened up our processes as a result.
"
Working with Chelsea FC since 2016
Challenge
Young players increasingly face media scrutiny from an early stage in their careers and need the skills and confidence to represent themselves and their club effectively.
Solution
Since 2016, Media First has provided media training for academy players and coaching staff. Training focuses on interview preparation, confidence building and helping participants communicate naturally and professionally.
Outcome
The programme has helped players become more confident communicators, improve interview performance and develop communication skills that benefit them both on and off the pitch.
"We’re pleased to be into our fourth season of media training with Media First. The training really helps to remove some of the fear and apprehension our young players have about talking to external journalists, and it gives them the key skills they need to prepare for and give a more confident, professional interview. The players have grown in confidence and we’ve seen a huge improvement in their communication skills all round as a result.
"
Building confidence for every communication challenge
Challenge
Inzpire wanted to help its team communicate with greater confidence across a wide range of situations, from media interviews and presentations to customer conversations at events and trade shows. The organisation was looking for practical skills that could be applied in any communication setting.
Solution
We designed a bespoke training programme that combined online pre-course learning with a practical training day led by experienced journalists. The training focused on message development, confident delivery and handling challenging questions while remaining composed under pressure.
Outcome
The skills were quickly put into practice at an international trade show, where Inzpire's business development team used the techniques to communicate more effectively with customers and prospective clients.
"The skills learned assisted our business development executives with honing in on key messages and delivering them in a succinct yet engaging way when talking to customers and prospective clients.
"
Helping young ambassadors find their voice
Challenge
The Food Foundation wanted to ensure its young Food Ambassadors felt confident sharing their experiences with the media and speaking publicly about issues that matter to them. The charity needed training that would help young people tell their stories effectively while feeling in control of interviews and media opportunities.
Solution
We created and delivered a highly practical media skills workshop focused on confidence building, storytelling, message development and interview practice. The session gave participants the opportunity to work directly with experienced journalists in a safe and supportive environment.
Outcome
The training helped participants build confidence and develop transferable communication skills while giving the charity reassurance that its ambassadors were ready to seize media opportunities.
"I saw the shift in the young people's confidence within just a few hours.
"
Developing the next generation of media talent
Challenge
ITP Media Group and NEOM Media Industries wanted a comprehensive programme that would provide aspiring Saudi media professionals with a practical understanding of modern journalism, content creation and communications
Solution
Media First designed and delivered a bespoke four-week training programme covering journalism, interviewing, writing, research, media law, digital content and data visualisation. The course combined practical workshops led by working journalists with a comprehensive online learning hub.
Outcome
The programme was so successful that Media First was invited back to deliver training for a second cohort. Participants gained a deeper understanding of contemporary media and developed skills to support future careers in the industry.
"Media First is uniquely qualified to deliver a course of this complexity due to their vast experience in journalism and media, their ability to customise all of their training, and their care and commitment to the students and their development.
"
Stopping issues from gathering momentum
Challenge
James Brown and the team at Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust wanted to strengthen their crisis readiness, build senior leaders' confidence, and ensure the communications team had access to experienced support during a period of heightened scrutiny. The Trust was managing several sensitive issues and recognised the need to prepare both communicators and senior decision-makers before they faced significant external pressure.
Solution
Media First delivered a multi-layered crisis resilience programme over two years. This included executive media and crisis communication training for senior leaders, specialist training for the communications team and ongoing consultancy support. Through regular advice sessions, scenario planning, communications reviews, and ad-hoc support, the Trust accessed expert guidance as issues emerged and circumstances evolved.
Outcome
The work helped align senior leaders and communication professionals, improve crisis preparedness, and build confidence in managing sensitive issues. By considering messaging, stakeholder engagement and decision-making in advance, the Trust was better prepared to respond quickly and effectively when scrutiny arrived. This proactive approach helped reduce risk, strengthen resilience and improve confidence across the organisation.
"What working with Media First gave us wasn’t just crisis consultancy and media training - it was confidence and clarity long before issues escalated.
"
The support felt like a proper adult relationship - practical, calm and grounded in real experience. It strengthened our internal decision-making and helped ensure our communications team were supported by senior leadership, not slowed down by it.
Helping NUS move a national election online
Challenge
When COVID-19 disrupted plans for in-person events, the National Union of Students (NUS) needed a way to continue its national officer elections while maintaining engagement, fairness and confidence in the process. The organisation wanted candidates to share their ideas, answer challenging questions, and connect with voters despite pandemic restrictions.
Solution
Media First worked with NUS to design, host and facilitate a series of virtual election hustings. Experienced facilitators moderated discussions, challenged candidates fairly and ensured everyone had equal opportunities to present their manifesto and respond to questions. Professional livestream production helped create an engaging and accessible experience for students across the UK.
Outcome
The virtual hustings generated strong engagement and positive feedback from voters, candidates and external stakeholders. The project proved so successful that NUS returned to Media First for future election cycles.
"We received hugely positive feedback on these sessions from voters, external partners and the candidates themselves. We're really keen to work with Media First again.
"
Giving scientists the confidence to tell their stories
Challenge
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology wanted to help its experts feel more confident engaging with journalists and making the most of media opportunities. The aim was to equip researchers with the skills and confidence needed to explain complex scientific issues clearly and effectively.
Solution
Media First delivered practical media training designed to build confidence and prepare participants for real-world interviews. The training included hands-on exercises that enabled delegates to practise their skills in realistic media scenarios.
Outcome
The impact was quickly seen. Following the training, our hydrologist went on to undertake several high-profile interviews about drought before confidently taking part in a live interview on BBC Radio 5 Live. The practical interview training also helped members of the Lough Neagh research team secure coverage across BBC Northern Ireland TV, Radio Ulster, Radio 4's Farming Today, The Irish News and UTV.
"The training was fantastic and had great results. It gave our team the knowledge and confidence to take on media opportunities, and they all commented on how useful it was.
"
Turning stakeholders into credible advocates for change
Challenge
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) was preparing for one of the most significant changes in its history: a proposed integration with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to create what would become AICPA-CIMA.
The proposal generated strong interest and debate among members. While many supported the direction of travel, others were sceptical or uncertain about what the change would mean for them, their designation and the future of the profession.
CIMA needed its council members, regional leaders and influential stakeholders to communicate confidently about the proposal, answer difficult questions and help colleagues and members make informed decisions, without sounding scripted or appearing to tell people how to vote.
Solution
Media First designed and delivered a bespoke advocacy programme for council members, regional board chairs, regional directors and other influential stakeholders involved in the project.
Rather than teaching participants to repeat corporate messages, the programme focused on helping them understand the strategy, communicate it in their own words and respond confidently to sceptical or challenging questions. Participants practised explaining the rationale for the proposed association, adapting messages for different audiences and cascading information through their own networks and regions.
The training also recognised that different audiences would respond differently to the proposal, so participants learned how to tailor conversations while maintaining message consistency.
Outcome
The programme helped create a network of informed advocates who could discuss the proposed changes with confidence, credibility and authenticity. Rather than relying on a small group of senior spokespeople, CIMA equipped influential stakeholders across the organisation to engage constructively with members, address concerns and explain the strategic rationale behind the proposal.
The initiative's success led Media First to support further communication and advocacy programmes within CIMA, including its wider "Powering Up" internal communications rollout, helping employees at all levels become confident advocates for the organisation's purpose and direction.
The Fish Society: Turning leadership learning into action
Challenge
The Fish Society wanted to strengthen leadership capability across a group of managers and supervisors, building confidence, communication and greater ownership across teams.
Solution
We delivered a bespoke ILM Level 3 leadership programme combining practical leadership development with feedback, communication, problem-solving and decision-making, using real workplace challenges throughout.
Outcome
Managers put learning into practice between sessions, reporting changes in feedback, goal-setting and communication. They left with practical actions to strengthen cross-team working, accountability and continuous improvement.
Omexom: Bespoke Leadership Development
Challenge
Omexom wanted a leadership programme that reflected the realities of managing within its organisation, rather than an off-the-shelf approach. The programme needed to combine core leadership skills with Omexom’s own values, culture and strategic priorities.
Solution
We designed a bespoke leadership programme around Omexom’s specific needs, weaving The Omexom Way, its employee check-in process and its approach to health and wellbeing into practical leadership development.
Outcome
The programme has become a key part of Omexom’s mandatory training cycle for managers, helping to embed a consistent approach to leadership and management across the organisation.
"Really positive experience. The session was extremely well delivered by Laura to be engaging/informative and interesting. The course was well integrated with the Omexom focused topics. I thought this was managed and linked very well, particularly with the ethics etc.
"
Testing preparedness through a 24-hour crisis exercise
Challenge
Arcadis wanted to test how its global communications teams would respond to a fast-moving crisis that evolved over 24 hours and moved between teams in Europe, North America and Australia.
Solution
Media First designed and delivered a 24-hour global crisis simulation using the Conducttr platform, testing media handling, stakeholder communications, leadership visibility and global handovers.
Outcome
The exercise identified strengths in media handling and global coordination, while highlighting opportunities to improve message escalation and leadership visibility during complex incidents.
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HOW WE WORK
Every project starts with a conversation.
We begin by understanding your objectives, your audiences and the scrutiny you face.
Only then do we design the programme, select the trainers and build the scenarios.
It takes a little longer at the start. It is the reason the work lands.
LET'S TALK
Want a result like these?
Tell us what you're facing and we'll design an approach around it.