I started my freelance career with promotional work. I've written sales brochures, mailings and ads (in print and online) for everything from specialised software through fuel injection systems to luxury goods like cashmere wool and diamonds.

I've written extensively on BT products, ranging from financial packages through service and support to technical briefings. I am not a technical writer, but I am comfortable enough with technology issues (particularly though not exclusively information technology) to present technical materials in an engaging way to general readers.

Promotional intelligence must sometimes inform less overt materials. Working with design consultancy The Team I've written straight sales material for Microsoft, but also subtler things like white papers aimed at the higher and further education sectors. Although these were issues-based and designed to position Microsoft as an intelligent supplier, they also had to incorporate mention of Microsoft products when appropriate.

Some projects embrace both information and promotion. I wrote all the static texts (including the help system) for the launch of comdirect, Commerzbank's UK online share trading website, and I also wrote the promotional brochure to go with it, requiring a very different tone.