What made you want to work in the magazine industry?

I loved magazines: first football magazines, then Smash Hits (I had a fortnightly copy reserved for me behind the counter at Jackanory in Norton, Sheffield from the age of ten)

Can you chart your journey from when you started out to your current position?

I’ve always worked on big magazines, usually high frequency. Large numbers of staff. It seems weird to think that I once worked on a monthly (Sky magazine from 1995 to 1997). I don’t know what I’d do with all that time if I did that now.

What do you turn to when you’re on deadline – tea/coffee/snacks?

Plain chocolate Hob Nobs. Not that easy to get these days.

How has being a member of the PPA helped you/added value to your brand?

I love the PPA, love the people, love the events (I MC a room at the festival each year). When we get together as an industry we are so strong.

What is the last photo you took on your phone (at time of interview)? Why?

I’m really glad you asked me that. I grabbed this image of Ken Clarke from BBC News and sent it to my dad. He’s a one-off that man (my dad and Ken Clarke).

What’s your guilty pleasure?

1980s Top of the Pops episodes.

What/where is your happy place?

When I drop my daughter off at her drumming lesson on a Saturday morning and I just walk and walk. Anywhere along that route.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

Anton Du Bec from Strictly Come Dancing choreographed the first dance at my wedding. It began with me throwing my suit jacket into the crowd of guests and went downhill from there.

Introvert or extrovert?

Introvert.

Optimist or pessimist?

Optimist.

Film or television?

Television (and radio).

What are you binge-watching at the moment?

Sharp Objects.

Sweet or savoury?

Savoury.

Morning person or night owl?

Both.

Tea or coffee?

Neither.

Mark will be co-hosting the Editors stage at PPA Festival 2019. For more information and tickets, please click here.