About

My career has been equally split between Journalism and Public Relations. As a journalist, I have edited both newspapers and magazines, while my PR career has seen me manage media relations for a number of international organizations as well as build a successful PR and marketing agency.  

Teaching responsibilities

I teach mainly on the BA (Hons) Journalism and BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism programmes, specialising in Public Relations.  

Professional interests

With my dual journalism and public relations background, I am particularly interested in how the media and PR interact. I also take a keen interest in social media platforms and the opportunities they present in the professional communications environment.  

Membership of professional bodies

Fellow of the Higher Education Academy  

Qualifications

• Post-Graduate Certificate in Higher and Professional Education - Staffordshire University  
• BA (Hons) in English - The Open University  
• Proficiency Certificate - National Council for the Training of Journalists  
• Certificate in Marketing - Chartered Institute of Marketing  
• Certificate in Business Management (NVQ L4)

Experience in industry

I have spent my entire career of 30+ years as a communications professional.  

I began as a junior reporter in regional newspapers, then worked as a crime reporter, feature writer, sub-editor, and deputy editor. Latterly, having launched and edited a regional lifestyle magazine for an independent publisher, I set up my own publishing company and developed a series of magazines for teenagers as well as contract publishing for a range of clients.  

In the Public Relations arena, I managed corporate, consumer and community relations for a major financial services organization, before establishing a successful Midlands-based agency specialising in PR, marketing, design, web development, and event management on behalf of national and international clients.   

I maintain my industry expertise by acting as PR consultant for a number of clients.