Words that
move people.
Hey, I'm Andy. I'm a journalist, writer and editor who has spent 15 years helping people make better decisions about cars - from independent consumer advice, to guiding nervous buyers through a pandemic, to shaping the car-buying journey across some of the world's most recognisable automotive brands.
Away from cars, I swap test drives for trail shoes. I'm a hill runner, hiker and walk leader, and I've produced newsletters and contributed to walking guidebooks along the way.
This site is part portfolio, part AI playground - a place to share ideas, explore new projects, and write for the fun of it.
Curious? Have a look around, or drop me a message. I'm always delighted to talk about cars, content and time in the hills.
Automotive
Opinion
Outdoors
When I'm not driving cars or writing about them, you'll usually find me out in the Shropshire Hills - walking, running, cycling, whatever gets me outside. There's been a fair bit of crossover with the day job, too.
I lead group walks and help make outdoor activities feel more approachable for people who might otherwise be put off getting started. I also launched a newsletter for the group, which has been a genuine hit - regularly pulling open rates of around 75%.
The newsletter's success caught the attention of The Ramblers nationally, who asked me to share what worked. I delivered peer-to-peer training to group leaders from across the country on improving promotion and engagement - turning a Shropshire side-project into something other regions are now using too.
Telford Coronation Walks is a series of new walking routes created to mark the King's Coronation, each documented in a published guidebook. I planned and helped signpost two of the routes, then contributed to the guidebook itself - taking a route from an idea on a map to something people can actually follow on the ground.
Photography
As well as writing, I take photographs - usually cars or people, always looking for the unexpected. It's more of a hobby than anything, but I can provide a full editorial package - words, images, the lot.
FAQs
I'm a big fan of electric cars and I’ll happily tell anyone who'll listen that my Hyundai Kona Electric is the best - and most sensible - car I've ever bought. It's incredibly cheap to run, easy to drive and needs less maintenance than anything else I've owned (including a push bike).
They're not for everyone - I wouldn't recommend an EV to anyone who can't charge at home. But given a fair chance, I think a lot of car buyers would be better off with one.
I'm always happy to chat about whether an electric car is right for you - just drop me a message using the form below.
Going in like they're heading into battle.
There's a widespread assumption that the salesperson is the enemy - someone to outsmart, haggle with, keep at arm's length. And yes, there are bad ones out there.
But most salespeople genuinely want to put you in the right car. That's how they build a reputation, get referrals and sleep at night.
It's easier than ever to do your research - know your budget and what you're looking for - but go in with an open mind and a bit of warmth. Build a rapport and you'll find the whole process easier than if you treat them like the enemy.
Buying a car should be exciting. Enjoy it.
On paper, I should say something suitably impressive - maybe the Rolls-Royce Phantom I took to Vienna, or the Ferrari GTC4Lusso that nearly got me arrested in Italy.
But honestly, I like an underdog.
I'm sad that I've never owned a Kia Picanto, while I thoroughly enjoyed my time running a Suzuki Swift for HonestJohn. Oh, and I love a Mazda MX-5. I've owned one of each generation. They're about as exciting as it gets for me.
I've owned some genuine duffers over the years, but the scariest was an old Porsche Boxster S with 140,000 miles on the clock.
I was going through my “meet the heroes” era and bought a BMW 540i that I just couldn't get excited about. I chucked it on Facebook Marketplace and someone offered their Boxster as a direct swap.
I'd always wanted one so it was a no-brainer. We met at a motorway services on the M6 on a cold December morning and swapped keys - no real inspection, no negotiation, little common sense. It was a way out of a BMW I didn't love.
It was wonderful in some ways, but my local Porsche specialist booked me a quarterly appointment in his diary. Each visit was expensive, and the car rarely lasted a full three months without needing attention. I soon sold it and bought another MX-5.
Contact