What are the main beats that you cover?

Investing, mortgages, savings, pensions, tax, insurance, my dog… and don’t get me started on parking apps.

Congratulations on your success at the 2023 Headlinemoney Awards! How did you feel when your name was announced as the winner?

Worried about how I was going to get up on to the stage with my big ol’ broken foot moon boot! And elated, of course.

Why are peer-judged awards such as the Headlinemoney Awards important to journalists?

Because we know the judges and so can bribe them. No, seriously, it’s fantastic to get recognition from your peers and even to be shortlisted in such a competitive pool of talent.

What have been the highlights of your time working in financial journalism? Have there been any pieces of work you’re particularly proud of?

Oh loads! I helped break the Woodford scandal as a reporter at the Sunday Times and uncovered an investment scam in Brazil when I was at the Mail. But testing at-home beer pumps was a real career highlight — I’m not afraid to get into those really gritty investigations.

How can PRs help you with your work?

Read the section. It’ll save us both time if you understand who our readers are and what we write about rather than sending me irrelevant press releases about air fryers. Also, exclusive data and case studies — obvs.

When are the best times for PRs/press offices to contact you?

It’s pot luck to be honest - I won’t answer if I don’t want to.

What is the financial interview you’d most like to arrange?

I’m quite jealous of some of the people our writers get to speak to for our Fame & Fortune section. I’d like to get the King featured, that’d be quite the scoop: “So Charles, your maj, property or pension?”

What is the piece of financial services research you’d most like to read?

Something that’s so good I haven’t thought of it yet.

When you’re telling a story, what’s the most important thing to remember?

To have a beginning, a middle, and an end. Oh no, wait, that’s from English class…

What was the last article you read that really shocked you?

I read something shocking pretty much every day — maybe I’m just easily shocked. I read in the Guardian this weekend that bird flu has killed 40% of all Peruvian pelicans this year, that was pretty shocking.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in financial journalism?

Get on the phone and go out and meet people. It’s much quicker and more effective than email. Plus, you’ll usually get fed.

Sum up your time as a financial journalist in three words:

Never-a dull moment (say it quickly and it sounds like three words).

If you were up for an award for any hobbies/activities outside of work, what would you be likely to win, and why?

I think my latest injury has ruled me out of any netball trophies for a while, so put me down as Champion Dog Walker please, or maybe Craft Beer Taster 2023.

Finally, if you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A very spicy curry — I mean a three-chilli-symbols-on-the-menu one that properly makes you sweat.