David Bell

FRSA - FCIM - FIOEE - CMgr FCMI

Contact Details

DDI: +44 (0)333 1500 160
Mobile: +44 (0)7970 719367
Email: dbell@simboc.com
Contact Card: View & download 

David Bell - SImboc - Headshot Photo

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Name: David James Bell
FRSA - FCIM - FIOEE - CMgr FCMI

Position: Founder & CEO 

Age: 49

D.O.B: 26th February

Home Town: Braintree, Essex, England

Favourite Film: The Matrix

Favourite Sport: Skiing

Favourite Food: Italian 

Favourite Pet: Shadow (My Springer Spaniel)


Get Connected… Connect with David


David is a highly accomplished, multi-award-winning company director, entrepreneur, executive business advisor, technology expert, keynote speaker and chat show host. He is passionate about helping others succeed and driving businesses to achieve their full potential.

Starting his entrepreneurial journey in 1995 at seventeen, David Co-founded APC Solutions, which is recognised as a leading provider of wireless communications solutions. It has delivered projects in the UK, Europe, South Africa, North America, and the Middle East.

David has vast experience and knowledge in communications, IT solutions and technology, backed by a solid understanding of business management, leadership and communication.

In 2013, David founded Simboc Limited, a business, technology consultancy and management company that provides bespoke services to other organisations. Motivated by his passion for seeing others reach their potential, David enjoys mentoring and coaching others to help them realise their dreams and business goals.

David frequently receives public speaking requests and has extensive experience presenting at award ceremonies, universities, and corporate events.

David founded The Speaker Expert in early 2015 to help coach and train individuals who want to learn how to speak and present like an expert. The Speaker Expert is now the go-to speaking organisation for many business owners and their teams.

David volunteers as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) ambassador for STEMNET, helping to inspire young people and encourage them to enjoy STEM subjects. 

David is a fellow of Anglia Ruskin University and serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence, providing advice, guidance, and support.

In 2015, David was awarded an Honorary Fellowship (FIoEE) from the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs for his contribution to UK enterprise.

In June 2017, David was awarded Fellowship (FCIM) status as a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)

In late 2020, David Co-founded ChatBox Productions. Chatbox Productions—‘the home of conversation’—is an award-winning company born during the pandemic and was founded by business owners David Bell and Nick Looby. They answer the need for support, information, entertainment, and discussion in business and public arenas.

David is also a shareholder and the UK Sales & Marketing Director for Symbiosys IT. Symbiosys is a technology solutions and integrations provider with its head office in the Western Cape, South Africa, and its European office in London, United Kingdom. It has grown substantially since its founding in 2004 and now supports organisations in over 36 countries.

In 2022, David was awarded a Fellowship (FRSA) as a member of The royal society for arts, manufactures and commerce.

Most recently, in June 2024, David was awarded a fellowship with the Chartered Management Institute (FCMI) and received Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.

As an aside, you’ll have lots of fun and laughter working with David. He’s warm-hearted and gets a real buzz out of seeing others succeed.

David lives in Essex, England, with his family and exuberant (sometimes insane) Springer Spaniel. In his spare time, David likes to play squash, watch motorsport, go for a run, indulge in a glass of fine wine or tackle the downhill on a pair of skis. He’s partial to a game of golf, but he’s not any good at it.


David Bell - Business Awards

Honours and Awards

  • Business Networking Platform of the Year for the 2025 GLOBAL Innovation & Excellence Awards for Chatbox Productions

  • Corporate LiveWire Global Awards - Business Consultancy of the Year 2025

  • SME UK Enterprise Awards 2025 - Best Business Chat Show Hosts 2025 for Chatbox Productions

  • Global Business Insight Awards - Most Outstanding Business & Technology Advisers - EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) 2023

  • Corporate LiveWire Global Awards - Business Strategy Consultancy Firm of the Year 2023

  • Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2023 - Most Innovative New Media Company - UK for Chatbox Productions

  • Corporate LiveWire Global Awards - Business Advisors of the Year 2022

  • Awarded a Fellowship of the RSA (The Royal Society for the Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) 2022

  • Innovation and Excellence Awards Winner - International Business Advisory Service of the Year 2022

  • Crop Today Awards 2022 - Best International Business & Technology Advisers – EMEA

  • SME UK Enterprise Awards 2022 - Best Business & Technology Advisors in Europe

  • Novo Business Awards 2021 - Award for Innovation for Chatbox Productions

  • Corporate Coaching and Recruitment Awards - Best Executive Coaching Specialists - London

  • Global Business Insight Awards - Most Outstanding International Business & Technology Advisers - EMEA 2021

  • Global Business Insight Awards - Most Outstanding International Business Support Company 2021

  • Global Business Insight Awards - Best International Business & Technology Advisers - EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) 2021

  • Innovation and Excellence Awards Winner - International Business Advisory Service of the Year 2021

  • Corporate Coaching and Recruitment Awards - Best International Business & Technology Advisers - EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) 2020

  • SME UK Enterprise Awards - Best International Business Support Company 2020

  • Awarded an Honorary Fellowship as ‘Entrepreneur in Residence’ at Anglia Ruskin University - 2019

  • Awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM) 2017

  • STEM UK Inspirational Ambassador Finalist 2016

  • Essex Business Champion of the Year 2016 for East of England

  • East of England Business Champion of the Year 2015

  • Essex Business Champion of the Year 2015 for East of England

  • Awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs for contribution to UK enterprise (FIOEE) 2015

  • Essex Business Champion of the Year 2014 for East of England

  • Entrepreneur of the Year 2013, Finalist for the National UK Entrepreneur Awards

  • Business Person of the Year 2013, Finalist at the prestigious Comms Awards in London

  • Business Person of the Year 2013, Finalist for East of England

  • Business Person of the Year 2012, Finalist for East of England

  • Best Motorola Application Partner 2011, in Europe, Middle East & Africa

  • Businessman Man of the Year 2011, for Essex

  • Businessman of the Year 2011, Finalist for Essex Countywide


Watch David in action


Chatbox Productions - David & Nick interview business owners on their weekly business chat show. Watch more episodes here ChatBox TV


Join Christine Michaelis, Vice President of the European Startup Association interviewing David Bell.

Find out more about the European Startup Association www.eustartupassociation.com 


Join Debbie Gilbert from the Best Business Women Awards as she interviews David about judging these prestigious awards.

Listen to the Podcast on Spotify


David Bell - Anglia Ruskin University - EiR
David Bell - awards event, wearing blue suite
Novo Business Awards
David Bell - Business awards winner photo
David Bell Standing Suite Full Length
David Bell - Standing Full Length