Twelve months ago, after more than 20 years in regional newspapers, it was time for a change. I sat by a lake in the US contemplating the future.

My age and lack of ability meant becoming a rock star or international footballer were unlikely, so I considered all sorts of options, from teaching and lecturing to driving and handyman jobs.

I scoured the internet for media and communications-related vacancies and was getting frustrated trying to fit into various categories and tick the necessary boxes. I even found a job in newspapers right on my doorstep, but it was time to move on. The anti-social hours didn’t fit with family life either – whatever I did next had to work well for all of us.

Relaxing by the lake, there were only two things to consider – when to dive in and cool off, and where to go for our evening meal. I partly have Fleetwood Mac to thank for what happened next. As the earworm went round and round in my head, it struck me – go your own way. I knew what I could do and, more importantly, I knew what I wanted to do.

I love telling people’s stories and I decided to use my experience and expertise to help businesses and organisations get their message across. One example that stands out is of a bathroom fitter who said he “just fits bathrooms”. As we talked, he revealed one wet room he created meant that someone could return home after a long stay in hospital. To him, it was just another bathroom, but it meant the world to that family. That is a fantastic way of showcasing what his business can do.

I have had the privilege to work with some fantastic people over the past 12 months, and it has been great to get out into communities again and help a variety of organisations, from Bury Hospice to Craig’s Barbershop and WaggaWuffins Canine College.

I also write for the West Lancs Living lifestyle magazine and am chief writer for M3 Publishing, which produces a range of digital business magazines. There are some fantastic businesses – and some world leaders – right on our doorstep.

I have interviewed and met some fascinating people with incredible vision. And, as I night have said once or twice before, I’ve loved every minute of it.

Ask the expert

One of the best pieces of advice I received when setting up the business was to get a good accountant - and mine is fantastic. As I quickly discovered, the red tape can become a minefield if you don’t know what you are doing. And, if you miss something at the start, it will come back to bite you.

Graham Edgington and the team at OBS have helped me every step of the way and have been incredible throughout the pandemic. They are experts in their field, which means I can focus on helping clients, knowing I am in safe hands.

No one could have predicted the impact Covid-19 would have on the country and the world and the past five months have been unbelievably tough for all businesses, many of which have been devastated by the financial consequences of lockdown.

But as restrictions eased, it has been a pleasure to work with firms as they prepare for a future with social distancing – and the underlying fear of further outbreaks.

If I thought I was in uncharted waters this time last year, the 12 months ahead have the potential to be even more challenging. But we all seem to be pulling in the same direction, so I am looking forward to it.

I would like to say a big thank you to all my clients and everyone I have worked with for making this first year a success. It is certainly one I will never forget. The year ahead will be different, but I can’t wait to get into it.

Thanks again, everyone, and stay safe.