I am a fully qualified journalist, having completed the NCTJ and NCE qualifications in 1999 and 2000.
I worked as a journalist for five years, before moving over to local government to work for regional development agency One NorthEast and Tees Valley Unlimited.
In 2012 I set up my public relations company, LEC, which is now firmly established as one of the leading providers of communications, marketing, and design services in the North East,
Alongside running the business, I am also editor of East Durham Business magazine and a steering group member of East Durham Business Network.
What do you remember most about your time at Shotton Hall?
Well, firstly, the school was nothing like it is now. But at the time it probably did feel modern and new – it’s only now when I see the building in its current form that I think, I wish it was like that when I attended.
It was a great time though, and probably when I really confirmed that becoming a journalist was what I wanted to do. I loved writing from a young age and realised that was my creative talent. I couldn’t draw but I was very good at writing.
I am also lucky enough to count many of my school friends as my friends today, so between us we have many happy memories of our school days.
I know people say your time at school is the best of your life, and at the time you don’t believe it, but I really do think that now. Life was easy, with not a care in the world really.
What has been the highlight of your life so far?
I think probably achieving my dream of becoming a journalist.
And of course, launching my own business, which was something I always wanted to do. I am 14 years down the line now and after more highs and lows than I care to remember, I am enjoying things more than I have for a very long time.
How did your time at Shotton Hall prepare you for where you are now?
That was where it all started really. As I said, it was during my time at Shotton Hall that I really confirmed that becoming a journalist was what I wanted to do. In fact, it was at Shotton Hall that I completed my first bit of work experience at a newspaper, spending a week at the Peterlee Star. Sadly, that newspaper no longer exists but back then it was a publication that people looked forward to reading, and I enjoyed getting a taste of what life was like as a news reporter.
What are your future plans and ambitions?
Over the past 12 to 18 months I have been on a real journey, effectively treating the business as a new start. Historically we worked with a lot of automotive companies but sadly one by one, they dropped off our radar. Not through any fault of the business, but because the automotive industry has been hit particularly hard by global challenges, which has resulted in job losses and even plant closures.
So, at the end of the 2024, I decided that if I wanted to get LEC back on track, I needed to go out and secure new clients, so I made it my mission to meet as many people as possible, attend new networking events and basically say yes to everything.
And it’s really paid off, as today my business is getting close to being as successful as it was as its peak, in probably 2018/19.
I am not exactly where I want to be, but with the projects I have in the pipeline I am confident that I am not far off.