1974 - 77
Finding my feet​
​
​
I studied Economics and Law at Downing College, Cambridge, without really knowing what to do next.
​
My law tutor recommended that I become a solicitor, and I should apply to Allen & Overy, a top UK law firm.
​
I started my training contract there in September 1978.
This was taken in my second year at Cambridge. Playing the guitar helped me get through the grind of law studies.
As a lawyer, I preferred advising individuals rather than companies, because it was more personal.
1978 - 82
Practising as a lawyer​
​
​
I qualified in 1980, and practised in the field of commercial litigation and arbitration for two years.
​
I left the law, not because I didn't enjoy it, but because I wanted to explore other things.
​
I studied both for a postgraduate diploma in International Politics, and for a diploma in Periodical Journalism.
1983 - 89
Moving further afield​
​
​
I was a researcher, sub-editor, then special reports editor for South magazine, which was based in London but covered global politics, economics and business.
​
Among the countries I was assigned to report on were Oman, Algeria and Egypt. In 1987, I was offered the chance to work on attachment to Xinhua News Agency in Beijing.​
Being taken down the Suez Canal on a trip to Egypt, 1986
On top of the Hong Kong Club, opposite 1 Queen's Road Central, then the HSBC headquarters,1989.
1989 -1993
Hong Kong
​
I moved to Hong Kong to become managing editor of Billion magazine. This was initially focused on China but then expanded to cover Asia-Pacific.
​
The magazine was closed in 1990, when I joined HSBC as the coordinator of the Private Sector Committee on the Environment.
1993 - present
Going independent and returning home​
​
I returned to London in 1993, and set myself up as a professional independent writer.
​
After working as maternity cover in PR and standing in as Editor of China-Britain Trade Review, I then concentrated on writing for law firms.
​
My first big project was writing the history of Allen & Overy and I've never looked back.
Working from home allows me to be there for my family, control my own time, and choose my own soundtrack.
When I'm not working...
You'll find me on the cricket pitch, going to gigs, and spending time with my family.
Batting for the Journeymen, the team I played with for 30 years.
With my friend, Bill Erysian, at Tom Petty's last concert in the UK.
