Where were you born?
South London, in the swirling mists of time. I’m now based in York where, as soon as I start speaking, the natives ask: “You’re not from ‘round these parts, are you?” They also ask: “Would you like scraps with that?” and “Do you want a slice of Wensleydale on your fruitcake?” The correct answer to all of those questions is, of course, ‘no’.
Where can we see examples of your work?
It’s funny you should ask that. The Lifestyle & Arts and Business & Causes pages of this website feature cuttings on a variety of topics. There are also lots online. For instance, you can find archives of articles here: muckrack.com. And here: dhl.com. And, indeed, here: greatbritishlife.co.uk.
How did you start in journalism?
At the Press Association. I wrote about TV programmes and films — sort of a hobby of mine — and the results appeared in lots of regional newspapers, from the Jersey Evening Post and Manchester Evening News to the Eastern Daily Press and Birmingham Mail. I also interviewed celebrities. These included Sir Tom Jones, Sir Terry Wogan and Sir George Martin — but also included Andi Peters. So, you know. Every day different.
When did you go freelance?
In the year of our Lord, nineteen-hundred-and-ninety-three. When I started, I’d send my articles to editors using something called a ‘fax machine’. You would slide your sheets of paper in at one end, press a button, it would go ‘bleep’, and then somehow — presumably by dark magic — they would appear… oh never mind. There’s email now.
Who has been the easiest person to interview?
Brian Blessed. It was over the phone, which I had to hold at some distance from my ear, and I don’t think I got the chance to ask him even one question. I introduced myself and then he just sort of started talking. I could have gone off to make a cup of tea and he wouldn’t have noticed. Also Miram Margolyes. She was very frank, as you might imagine. Plus I got to interview John Barry (who wrote the best Bond themes) and Clive James (who wrote the best newspaper columns). Say no more.
What’s been your favourite freelance gig?
There have been lots, but writing for Yorkshire’s Artscene magazine — which I did regularly from 1994 to 2001 — takes a bit of beating. It was just fun.
Why did you branch out into business journalism?
Why not? Basically, someone asked me to research and write a business story (about pharma firms selling their products to Japan, of all things) and I discovered I enjoyed it. This would have been 2008. I then started writing for the government’s UKTI (UK Trade and Investment, now the Department for International Trade) website about up-and-coming British firms, sectors and regions. I’ve since written about innovative UK businesses for Warwick University’s website; and, for Mediaplanet, on subjects as diverse as employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, 5G, and the workplace of the future. I’ve been writing business articles for DHL’s global customer magazines for the last 10 years.
Do you often answer your own questions while referring to yourself in the third person?
No. This is the first time. Bit weird, isn’t it? I think I’ll stop now.