What was your earliest memory?

Aged about three, watching birds in our garden — something I still love.

Did you go through training/university or straight into work?

Manchester University to study geology, where in the 1980s it was inevitable you spent most energy immersed in “real” student life — politics, journalism, watching bands, DJ-ing and, in my case, rock climbing and mountaineering.

Who have been your mentors? Soulmate and school buddy David Graves inspired intellectual and cultural curiosity; climbing legend Johnny Dawes showed how to push the edge, and beyond; Ian Middleton, Seatrade editor, revealed insight into the business of shipping. And I must mention TradeWinds founding editor Trond Lillestolen and colleague Paul Berrill, once my editor at IFW. They’re insightful and passionate journalists who loved a drink or two in the days when that was part of the game.

Ambition or talent — which is more important?

In journalism it’s all about aptitude, that intangible blend of skill, vision, inquisitiveness, guts, competitiveness and humanity. You’ve got to love the craft and excitement of finding and telling a good story and why it matters.

What else would you have done if you hadn’t gone into journalism?

Hopefully followed another passion: mountain guide, naturalist or musician, maybe. How about all three?

What is your biggest extravagance?

Can you ever have enough outdoor kit and clothing? Brilliantly engineered equipment and fabulous clothing designed to work when conditions get tough.

How do you relax?

Relax? The closest I’d get is to climb a mountain, or a big cycle or running race, followed by a deep bath with satirical magazine Private Eye, to remind myself why I do the work I do.

What would you like to own that you do not possess?

More time and energy to do what’s valuable.

Where and when are you happiest?

On a wild mountain, amid nature, with people I love. Failing that, in a breakaway in a cycle race; the suffering, the beauty and maybe, just maybe, the glory.

What has been your greatest disappointment?

The loss of my father and two precious friends, all far too young and when they had so much more to give.

What would you change in shipping if you could?

Far less tolerance of poor standards — of operations; of employment practices; of ethics. There will always be cost-cutting opportunists on the fringes, but those who run, fund, regulate and charter ships from ethical companies must be more ruthless in their isolation of the worst offenders. The industry has improved greatly in the last 20 years, and is improving even faster today, but poor standards continue to undermine much of that work. Charterers and insurers have vital roles to play. So do governments, which must ensure they escape from the “corporate capture” of the regulatory process.

Is politics important to you?

Growing up in a very political family meant it always has been. But more than ever today we all need to engage and take responsibility for our local communities, countries and our planet.

Which four people, living or dead, would you like to invite to dinner?

It’s going to be an evening to talk about music. (Politics will have to wait; Keir Hardie, Millicent Fawcett, Nye Bevan and Michael Foot can come round for lunch tomorrow.) Poet and musician Patti Smith I’ll seat next to writer Arthur Rimbaud, composer Steve Reich and former pro cyclist David Millar.

What would your 20-year-old self say about you today if you met?

“At least you turned out to be a survivor.”

What keeps you awake at night?

How to keep our readers informed and TradeWinds solvent; where exactly is this world heading; and have I remembered to put the bins out!

What are your favourite music, books and films?

Music: How Soon is Now by The Smiths; Horses by Patti Smith; and A Love Supreme by John Coltrane. Books: The Colour of Memory by Geoff Dyer; and The Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien. Films: A Bout de Souffle (I’m still in love with Jean Seberg); and Withnail and I (for a few melancholic laughs).

What are your best and worst characteristics?

Passion for the things I value, but frustration at failure to hit high standards.

What is your greatest achievement so far?

Personally, sharing the love and friendship of some wonderful people. Professionally, 20 years of editing the two biggest publications for the shipping business through huge upheavals for the industry and the media, and coming out in the black every year by delivering great journalism.