I started my career teaching psychology to undergraduates at the University of Hull, but a passion for writing saw me change direction to become a journalist.

I studied my NCTJ exams with Cleland Thom and then secured a role as a reporter on a weekly local newspaper in the north of England.

A year later I was offered a job at a busy regional daily, where I started as a news reporter and worked my way up to become business editor, producing a 12-page weekly business supplement as well as a daily business page. I also covered newsdesk in the case of absenteeism or holidays.

After working as business editor for around 2.5 years, an opportunity came my way to join a PR company, with the eventual plan that I buy the business out.

I worked for the company for a year, then embarked on a three-year journey to purchase the business which I have now run for the past six years.

During that time, I have also launched a second PR and marketing company that specialises in agribusiness, land management and associated industries.

As part of my day-to-day role, I provide PR counsel, marketing communications, and crisis communications to a range of businesses and organisations.

Due to my early experience as a lecturer, I was asked to deliver the PR module to business degree students at the University of Hull, and I return to give an annual lecture to marketing students on life working in a communications agency.