Crystal Reference was formed in March 2001 and founded by Ian Saunders and Professor David Crystal. It became a division of Crystal Reference Systems Limited, a privately owned UK incorporated company, specialising in knowledge management products. The company was acquired by adpepper media in March 2006.

Crystal Reference was formed to supply a range of reference content for clients, enabling them to produce new print publications, websites, and electronic products. The company also supplies a range of information services providing subscription services both online and within public libraries across the world.

David Crystal has been involved in the development of these products from their inception by Cambridge University Press and also during the subsequent ownership of the database by AND Classification Data Limited, and now by adpepper media.

The reference products are edited and maintained at our Editorial Centre in Holyhead, North Wales. Our company employs a highly experienced team of in-house editors, some of whom have worked on the database development since its initial development. The editorial team update the database every day for current affairs to ensure the highest levels of accuracy in all our products.

In addition to our in house team, we have a large number of freelance contributors who are responsible for the ongoing development of new content and ensuring the consistency and validity of our existing content. The contributors are leading experts in their field and are based throughout the world. If you would like to become a contributor, please do not hesitate to contact us.