How long have you been a personal finance journalist and what has changed in the industry in that time?
I came into financial journalism in 1997. The issues today are still similar – misselling scandals,
the overhyping of financial products, a rocky housing market and consumers basically getting a poor deal.
Some people have preconceived ideas about Sunday Telegraph readers, is this fair?
It depends what their preconceived idea is, but it goes without saying that newspapers have target
audiences and we are no different.
What story were you most proud to uncover during your career?
I'm not sure proud is the right word to use but the revelation that the MoD was rejecting applications for
life cover from troops being sent overseas in the aftermath of 9/11 is up there. On a personal finance front,
the FSA claim that the split capital investment trust saga was the "worst it had seen".
As a consumer, what annoys you most when dealing with financial services companies?
The inability to be flexible and to make common sense decisions because a cue card won't allow it.
How many press releases do you receive each day and what makes a good release stand out?
Dozens and dozens. The subject title is the key – its got to grab your attention otherwise it stands a good chance of never being opened.
What is the biggest mistake PRs/companies make when they contact you?
I don't think it is ever a mistake but it can be annoying being called on a subject matter that I had written the week previously.
What is the most memorable interview you have ever done and why?
An easy question for Michael Parkinson to answer, but more difficult for a personal finance journalist. But one of my most enjoyable
was Frank Abagnale, the former con who influenced the Leonardo di Caprio film, Catch Me If You Can. It opened my eyes to how easy ID fraud is.
What is the one tip you would give company representatives for press interviews?
You can go "off record".
Which journalist do you most admire and why?
Being a sports fan I always read Simon Barnes in The Times. He has this passion and writing style that is unique among the sport sections.
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