I am an accomplished and established journalist with more than 30 years of industry experience reporting on the transport and travel, food and drink sectors, with fluent French and fast shorthand to go behind a press release and deliver accurate and timely copy. I have a proven record in writing high-quality articles, conducting in-depth industry analysis, interviewing senior executives and CEOs, sourcing ground-breaking news stories and exceeding expectations.
Journalism roles have latterly included North Business Correspondent for Scottish Newspaper of the Year, Press & Journal, covering shipping, aviation, rail, road, housing and retail among other areas. Prior to that I spent 12 years as Business Editor at Just Auto, the online automotive news service (just-auto.com) where I specialised in vehicle manufacturing and supply chains.
Within my remit, I interviewed industry figures in English and French and covered major trade shows. I delivered added value using my tenacity and language skills, while also understanding the human impact by talking to parties such as trade unions and local government.
I have progressed on an upwards trajectory throughout my career. As a reporter with Air Transport Intelligence, I gained valuable experience of rapidly turning around copy for the 24th newswire, with coverage of Europe-specific sectors in industrial relations, European Union regulation and aicraft manufacturing.
As Editor of Air & Business Travel News, I wrote the weekly comment title, regularly appeared on BBC and CNN to discuss travel, while during my time with Flight International in Paris, I was responsible for air transport, aviation and defence news.
Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in French and NCTJ Certificate (Law, Public Administration, Journalism and Shorthand).
On a personal level, sport is my great passion, having been a long-suffering Southampton FC supporter through thick and thin (mainly thin), while cricket plays a large part in my life. One day, I’ve promised myself I will chase the sun and get to see England play in New Zealand.
Travel is my other great interest – I’m as fascinated by how the transport works as much as the destination itself. As an example, just before the pandemic hit, I went to my favourite island of Corsica, via Paris (having a glorious lunch at the Gare de Lyon) and catching the sleek 186mph double-decker train to Toulon.
From the South of France port I took the ferry threading its way past the French Navy in dock and headed out into the Med for the 8h sailing to Ajaccio.
After a few days on the beach, my transport bug kicked in again and I took the magnificent, narrow-gauge railway through some of the most dramatic, mountainous scenery Corsica has to throw at you before being decanted at Bastia and catching the big white bird home to the UK.
If you would like a dedicated, professional journalist to help with your needs and supply accurate copy with efficient turnaround, please get in touch!
