I have worked with several top global communications networks across the EMEA region, providing strategic planning and corporate counsel for many of the world's leading companies and brands.

Now 48, and with a family back in the UK, I am a frequent flyer and split my time between my two homes.




1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
I came in November 2007 after being recruited from the UK to manage the country office of a leading Public Relations agency here in Budapest.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Yes, for the last 11 years, and it's been a varied and interesting experience with postings in Europe, Middle East and West Africa.

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
Probably the sheer beauty of Budapest. At times, it can take your breath away. On a more practical note, how well the public transport system works.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
Very hard to choose but whenever my friends have visited it seems to be the view during a night stroll along the Danube that sticks in people's memories.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
Deep fried battered Heck with chips at the side of the river just north of Buda. Harry Ramsden, eat your heart out.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Lots of milk. I'm a milkoholic!

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
Puszi. It's a phonetics thing.

8. What do you miss the most from home?
I'd have to say my family who have not moved to Budapest with me. I do get back to the family home every month thanks to Ryanair who fly into my local airport, Bristol, so it's relatively quick and easy.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
Something artistic probably since that's where my natural talents seem to be, but if not, either something scientific (natural history and cosmology have always fascinated me) or something to do with sport (playmaker for my beloved and beleaguered Leeds United perhaps?god knows they need one).

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
Any poison chalice I guess; the vacant Hungary Prime Minister position springs to mind although perhaps a radical approach is just what the country needs!

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
Cala D'Or in Majorca. I can recommend it to anyone looking for a family friendly destination with lots of self-catering options and good beaches.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next one?
It will be an extended family get-together in Devon. Three families sharing a country house which I am simply hoping to survive.

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
I wasn't much into music as a teen but for some reason Queen springs to mind. I am from the Saturday Night Fever movie era and I seem to remember beer and girls were my hobbies. Perhaps a little less beer at the time and the memories would be somewhat clearer now?a lesson for us all?

14. What can't you resist?
Biscuits with my tea.

15. Red wine or white?
White now, usually.

16. Book or movie?
Movie, but books are coming back.

17. Morning person or night person?
Morning. Always have been, always will be.

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Animal welfare I think, and the negative impact man has on animal habitats. After that, there's a long list of close seconds which says more about the world we've created than it does about me.

19. Buda side or Pest side?
Pest. I love to walk around the city but not up hills!

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
If at first you don't succeed, you didn't plan it well enough.