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Author: Jo Tomlin

  • Is B2B media M&A primed for a return to growth?

    Is B2B media M&A primed for a return to growth?

    Collingwood’s latest Media Acquisition Report shows a 17% increase in M&A deals across B2B Information, Media, and Events in the first half of 2024, revealing growing optimism in dealmaking as economic conditions stabilise.

    As inflation and interest rates have come down, buyers and investors have been returning to M&A. Private Equity related deals have seen a resurgence in 2024, with firms needing to sell and redeploy after holding record levels of uninvested capital and reaching record average hold periods.

    However, with the backdrop of political uncertainty, tax rises, and some risk of recession, the growth we are seeing is still tentative and the number of deals is still far below historic highs.

    The gradual increase in activity has seen valuations remain largely consistent in B2B Information, Media, and Events compared to last year. Elsewhere, the time taken for deals to complete has lengthened with buyers increasing their scrutiny of financial performance and related KPIs. This approach is having a knock-on impact on how these buyers assess opportunities, the deal structures they put forward, and their overall approach to due diligence and materiality.

    “It’s been an unsettled year so far for businesses in B2B Information, Media, and Events. We have seen activity and sentiment remain subdued, even as inflation and interest rates have fallen back and buyers return. Buyers are cautiously optimistic but wanting to do much more due diligence, which has had a knock-on impact on their targets. This has led to big differences in valuations and appetites between business models and the businesses that are performing strongly. Our report digs deep into these differences highlighting what buyers are looking for,“ said Adam Shaw, Global MD, Corporate Finance.

    The Media Acquisition Report explores deal volumes and trends by business model – Information, Media, and Events – and by region. Alongside these insights, the report outlines:

    ●  The latest valuation ranges

    ●  Market conditions and its impact on M&A strategy

    ●  Dealmaking trends

    ●  Value drivers and deal killers

    ●  The impact of AI.

    For buyers, the report provides a benchmark for their own strategies and helps them gain a competitive edge.

    For sellers, it offers guidance on how to prepare a business for a successful sale. Beyond this, by demonstrating the characteristics of an attractive business in this sector, the report is a tool for any seller to maximise the value of their business.

    To download the report, click here.

  • PPA Awards 2024 – winners revealed

    PPA Awards 2024 – winners revealed

    The PPA awards recognise the outstanding and diverse work of businesses and individuals across every corner of the dynamic and vibrant specialist media sector.

    Over 55 publishing professionals, from a variety of consumer and B2B businesses, and including members of the PPA’s Next Gen Board, reviewed and judged hundreds of entries from more than 70 companies.

    The 27 categories span the industry’s talent – from highly skilled editors, world-class writers, marketing experts, and commercial leaders, to product excellence – design, subscriptions, podcasts, data, newsletters, and events; to the businesses and industry initiatives that are charting progress in important areas like sustainability and ED&I.

    PPA CEO Sajeeda Merali comments: “The quality of the winning consumer and business entries is testament to the fantastic talent and work that our members’ create and the value that trusted media brings to the communities it engages.”

    THE WINNERS:

    • Campaign of the Year: Good Food App x Nadiya Hussain, Immediate
    • Content Marketing Agency of the Year: Think
    • Cover of the Year: Women’s Health, Hearst UK
    • Designer of the Year: Mark Hickling, Britannica’s What on Earth! Magazine
    • Columnist of the Year: Alice Goodman, Prospect, Prospect Publishing
    • Special Interest Brand of the Year: New Scientist, Harmsworth Media
    • Community Engagement Award: MadeForMums Top Testers Club, Immediate
    • Team of the Year: Delegate Sales, emap
    • Editor of the Year (B2B): Jamie Carpenter, ENDS Report, Haymarket Media Group
    • Writer of the Year: Clare Wilson, New Scientist, Harmsworth Media
    • Event of the Year (B2B): Dezeen Awards, Dezeen
    • Subscriptions Initiative of the Year: The Great Renewals Revamp!, Immediate
    • Diversity & Inclusion Award: Building on the Foundation of Inclusivity, Immediate
    • Sustainability Initiative of the Year: Haymarket Impact: Shaping a Better Future
    • Innovation of the Year: Channel Accelerator – Powered by Nexus, The Channel Company
    • Media Brand of the Year (B2B): Building, Assemble Media Group
    • Employer of the Year: Faversham House
    • Media Brand of the Year (B2C): SheerLuxe
    • Commercial Partnership of the Year (B2C): Macmillan Coffee Mornings x Good Food: Ditch The Doily, Immediate
    • Event of the Year (B2C): PONY Magazine Big Day Out, DJ Murphy
    • Newsletter of the Year: Heart Matters, British Heart Foundation
    • Podcast of the Year: Media Confidential, Prospect Publishing
    • Commercial Partnership of the Year (B2B): Dezeen x Bentley
    • Data Initiative of the Year: Re-inventing renewals, Immediate
    • Industry Partner of the Year: Atlas
    • Children’s Brand of the Year: Britannica’s What on Earth! Magazine
    • Editor of the Year (B2C): Tom Howard, The Garden, The Royal Horticultural Society

    With thanks to PPA strategic partners: Air Business, Pensord, Shutterstock Editorial, Workbooks

    Event Partners: Acorn, CLA, ESco, Evessio, dsb.net, Flume, Magnetic, NLA Media Access, PLS, Simon Kucher

  • 60 seconds with Laura Cohen, Commercial Director, Good Housekeeping Institute

    60 seconds with Laura Cohen, Commercial Director, Good Housekeeping Institute


    What is the Good Housekeeping Institute doing to mark its 100th anniversary? 

    The GHI is keeping busy in its 100th year. We’ve launched a series of awards programmes in food, sleep and beauty to highlight all the amazing products we’re testing. We’re also launching VIP Awards at the end of the year to focus on all the fantastic innovation in consumer products that we’re seeing coming through – think connected home appliances, exercise mirrors and sleep gadgets. Finally, we’re moving into Parenting as a new category, which feeds nicely into our testing pillars. We’re tapping into consumers new to a market, who are looking for advice and rely on trusted reviews to help them choose the right product for them.  

    What have been the main ingredients to the success of accreditation at the GHI? 

    The main ingredient for success in accreditation is the trust that consumers have in GHI reviews. It’s the single biggest driver in our arsenal. We’ve earned this trust over the last 100 years through the consistency and quality of our testing processes and product reviews. While we’ll of course be expanding into new areas over the next century, that cornerstone of trust will remain the same.  

    How has the GHI built up trust with consumers and clients? 

    We’ve built trust by being a reliable source of useful information for consumers. We test the products they want to buy in the way that consumers use them, through both experts at the GHI and consumer testers at home, then write about them in a way they understand. It’s all about helping people with their purchase decision process in the most accessible way. Our reviews are open to anyone, so you don’t need to be a GH reader to benefit from the GHI. 

    What more can magazine brands be doing to build trust in a world of perceived ‘fake news’ and AI? 

    Consistent advice in an inconsistent world – if people know they can turn to you, as a magazine brand, to help them navigate the world, brand loyal consumers will follow. 

    How do you balance the drive for commercial success with trust and unbiased testing/reporting when it comes to accreditation? 

    The balance is an easy one for us to maintain – we prioritise being unbiased and process driven across all of our testing. A product coming from one of our biggest partners will be treated in the same way as a product from a brand we’ve not worked with before. If a product doesn’t perform well enough to be featured in our review round ups or to carry the GHI Approved endorsement at point of sale, then it won’t be featured or have access to the logo. 

    And finally, what has been your favourite moment during your time at the GHI? 

    My favourite moment at the GHI was the launch of our first standalone test site in Soho. We had a big party for everyone at the brand and friends of the brand – a real ‘pinch me’ we’ve done it moment. That, and seeing the first endorsement I worked on, sold out in real life, and pointing it out to my kids.

  • New report: Governance of Artificial Intelligence

    New report: Governance of Artificial Intelligence

    Former science, innovation and technology committee publishes report on AI governance and calls for greater protection on copyright and IP rights

    The now-dissolved Select Committee for Science, Innovation and Technology recently published a report on the governance of AI, aimed to examine the development, current state, and future of artificial intelligence.

    The report was published on 28th May 2024, with parliament dissolving two days later, rendering the committee ceased. Despite this, the committee affirmed the report was ‘futureproof’ to ensure the next government can implement the recommendations where fit.

    The report addressed several key themes including:

    • Ongoing debates and emerging regulation
    • International engagement
    • Committee recommendations on AI governance

    Impact on the publishing sector

    Currently, the government’s framework for legislating AI involves a cross-sectoral approach. In February 2024, regulators (e.g., Ofcom, the FCA) were instructed by government to provide an update on their strategic approach to governing the use of artificial intelligence within their sector.

    Publishers are uniquely affected by AI in that their online content is often scraped, without licensing, to train AI models. This means they are impacted directly by AI developers, making it difficult, if not impossible, for publishers to benefit from this regulatory approach.

    Intellectual property and copyright

    Despite this, the report addressed the challenge of intellectual property and copyright in the face of artificial intelligence. The committee called on the government to “broker a fair, sustainable solution, based around a licensing framework governing the use of copyrighted material to train AI models.”

    They said: “The current Government, or its successor administration, should ensure that discussions regarding the use of copyrighted works to train and run AI models are concluded and an implementable approach agreed. It seems inevitable that this will involve the agreement of a financial settlement for past infringements by AI developers, the negotiation of a licensing framework to govern future uses, and in all likelihood the establishment of a new authority to operationalise the agreement. If this cannot be achieved through a voluntary approach, it should be enforced by the Government, or its successor administration, in co-operation with its international partners.”

    PPA next steps: The PPA will be engaging with relevant stakeholders in the run up to the election to build lobbying efforts for an appropriate AI Bill, such as our EU counterparts with the new AI Act. The team will be attending a roundtable with Lord Holmes of Richmond, whose recent AI Private Members Bill was scuppered by the general election, after reaching its third reading in parliament. Nevertheless, he plans to bring the Bill back after the State Opening of Parliament (17th July).

  • PPA Awards 2024 – shortlist revealed

    PPA Awards 2024 – shortlist revealed

    Now in its 44th year, the PPA Awards champion businesses and individuals from every corner of the specialist media sector.   

    Over 55 publishing professionals, from a variety of consumer and B2B businesses, and including members of the PPA’s Next Gen Board, reviewed and judged over 250 entries from more than 70 companies.

    The 27 categories recognise innovation and outstanding work across the last 12 months – from highly respected editors, world-class writers, marketing experts, and commercial stars, to the designs, digital products, creativity, and events that bring publisher brands to life. 

    Comedian, television presenter, political commentator, and podcast host Nish Kumar is this year’s awards host when the winners are revealed at City Central at the HAC on 26th June 2024.

    Sajeeda Merali, PPA CEO, commented: “It was fantastic to see such amazing and varied work represented across the award categories.  There’s so much talent in the specialist media sector, so a big thank you to the judges who had the difficult task of creating the shortlist.  We look forward to welcoming everyone and celebrating the industry’s successes at awards night on 26th June 2024.” 

    You can see who was on the 2024 judging panel here. For more details about the PPA Awards, and to book tickets, click here.

    With thanks to PPA Strategic partners Air Business, Pensord, Shutterstock Editorial, and Workbooks CRM; event partners Acorn, The Brewery, CLA, dsb.net, ESco, evessio, Flume, Magnetic, NLA Media Access, PLS and Simon Kucher; and media partners InPublishing and Press Gazette.

    The full shortlist is as follows:

    Campaign of the Year

    • Content as catalyst, New Scientist, Harmsworth Media
    • Good Food App x Nadiya Hussain, Immediate
    • Inspiring Diversity in Property Campaign, Property Week, emap
    • The New Boardroom Agenda, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Sunday
    • Recipe for success: Growing first-party data and subscriptions, Good Food, Immediate
    • The Post Office scandal, Computer Weekly, TechTarget
    • We Are Able, Cadent, Think
    • Women in Sport, Marie Claire UK, Future


    Content Marketing Agency of the Year

    • Automotive Studio, Haymarket Automotive
    • Cedar Communications
    • Imagine, Immediate
    • Our Media Agency
    • Pharma Ignite, Citeline
    • Sunday
    • Think
    • Wonderly, Haymarket Media Group

    Cover of the Year

    • Architects’ Journal, emap
    • Britannica’s What on Earth! Magazine, What on Earth Magazines
    • Empire, Bauer
    • The Garden, The Royal Horticultural Society
    • GLAMOUR UK, Condé Nast
    • New Scientist, Harmsworth Media
    • Radio Times, Immediate
    • Saga Magazine, Saga
    • Women’s Health, Hearst UK

    Designer of the Year

    • Peter Allen, Magneto Magazine, Hothouse Media
    • Sonny Dhamu, Inside Housing, Ocean Media Group
    • Isabella Fernandes, OcadoLife, Ocado Retail, Sunday
    • Oliver Hazelwood, WIRED, Condé Nast
    • Mark Hickling, Britannica’s What on Earth! Magazine
    • Chris Lupton, Empire, Bauer Media
    • Becky Redman, National Geographic Traveller, APL Media
    • Carolyn Roberts, Grazia, Bauer Media
    • Maria Rodriguez, Architects’ Journal, emap

    Columnist of the Year

    • Marty Davies, Campaign, Haymarket Media Group
    • Susie Dent, Saga Magazine, Saga
    • Helen Edwards, Marketing Week, Centaur Media
    • Alice Goodman, Prospect, Prospect Publishing
    • Naomi Greenaway, The Jewish Chronicle
    • Chloe McCulloch, Building, Assemble Media Group
    • Mark Ritson, Marketing Week, Centaur Media

    Special Interest Brand of the Year

    • BBC History Magazine & History Extra, Immediate
    • Britannica’s What on Earth! Magazine, What on Earth Magazines
    • BusinessGreen, Incisive Media
    • Heart Matters, British Heart Foundation
    • New Scientist, Harmsworth Media
    • Planning, Haymarket Business Media
    • Runner’s World, Hearst UK
    • Tes Magazine, Tes
    • Third Sector, Haymarket Media Group
    • WIRED, Condé Nast

    Community Engagement Award

    • C+D Community, Citeline
    • MadeForMums Top Testers Club, Immediate
    • MIMS Learning healthcare community, Haymarket Media Group
    • Propolis and Propolis Community Index, B2B Marketing
    • SEND Network, Mark Allen

    Team of the Year

    • Paid Content Department, National Geographic Traveller (UK), APL Media
    • Delegate Sales, emap
    • Global Luxury Team, Financial Times
    • IM Food, Good Food & olive magazine, Immediate
    • Asda magazine, Our Media
    • B2B Marketing team, Propolis
    • Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, Think

    Editor of the Year (B2B)

    • Emily Booth, Architects’ Journal, emap
    • Jamie Carpenter, ENDS Report, Haymarket Media Group
    • Bryan Glick, Computer Weekly, TechTarget
    • Martin Hilditch, Inside Housing, Ocean Media Group
    • Maisie McCabe, Campaign, Haymarket Media Group
    • Chloe McCulloch, Building, Assemble Media Group
    • Sebastian Moss, DatacenterDynamics
    • Ashley Stewart-Noble, Modus, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Sunday

    Writer of the Year

    • Tali Fraser, The House, Total Politics, Political Engagement
    • Harriet Hall, Cosmopolitan, Hearst UK
    • Tom Lamont, Prospect, Prospect Publishing
    • Matilda Martin, Tes Magazine, Tes
    • Dave Rogers, Building, Assemble Media Group
    • Jennifer Savin, Cosmopolitan, Hearst UK
    • Clare Wilson, New Scientist, Harmsworth Media

    Event of the Year (B2B)

    • Building the Future Conference, Building, Assemble Media Group
    • CRN Xchange UK, CRN, The Channel Company
    • Dezeen Awards, Dezeen
    • DFNI Cruise Conference 2023, emap
    • Housing 2023, Housing, Ocean Media Group
    • Inspiring Women in Construction & Engineering, Construction News and New Civil Engineer, emap
    • Marketing Week’s Festival of Marketing, Centaur Media
    • The Media Production and Technology Show, Broadcast, Media Business Insight Part of the GlobalData Group
    • The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2023, 50 Best, William Reed

    Subscriptions Initiative of the Year

    • The Great Renewals Revamp!, Immediate
    • The Journey to Net Growth, Hearst UK
    • Unlocking New Audiences for Subscriptions Growth, Immediate

    Diversity & Inclusion Award

    • Championing Diversity in Leadership Recruitment, Bauer Media
    • New Scientist Live Widening Participation Scheme, Harmsworth Media
    • Getting the best out of everyone at Haymarket Media Group
    • Building on the Foundation of Inclusivity, Immediate
    • Motability Lifestyle, Wonderly

    Sustainability Initiative of the Year

    • Creature & Co.’s journey to B Corp and beyond
    • Earth Month 2023, Bauer Media
    • Haymarket Impact: Shaping a Better Future
    • Immediate’s Climate Action Day
    • Marie Claire UK – Sustainability, Future

    Innovation of the Year

    • Apple News: Growing alternative revenue streams in the face of changing consumer behaviour, Immediate
    • Channel Acclerator – Powered by Nexus, CRN, The Channel Company
    • Grazia CASA, Bauer Media
    • InvestmentIQ, Incisive Media
    • New Scientist Discovery Tours, Harmsworth Media
    • Project Horizon, Incisive Media
    • Wanderlust MetaTravel, Wanderlust Travel Media

    Media Brand of the Year (B2B)

    • Building, Assemble Media Group
    • Computer Weekly, TechTarget
    • ENDS Report, Haymarket Media Group
    • Health and Safety Matters, Western Business Media
    • New Civil Engineer, emap
    • Property Week, emap
    • TTG, TTG Media

    Employer of the Year

    • Faversham House
    • Haymarket Media Group
    • Immediate
    • Incisive Media
    • Today Digital

    Media Brand of the Year (B2C)

    • Gardeners’ World, Immediate
    • Good Food, Immediate
    • Harper’s Bazaar, Hearst UK
    • SheerLuxe
    • Radio Times, Immediate
    • Time Out

    Commercial Partnership of the Year (B2C)

    • Audi e-tron & Autocar Electric: sparking a richer electric conversation, Haymarket Automotive
    • The Big Issue x giffgaff
    • Macmillan Coffee Mornings x Good Food: Ditch The Doily, Immediate
    • Time Out x FREENOW – Love Thy Neighbourhood
    • Time Out x Uber Eats: Big Dish Energy
    • Very Joyful Style Jump Start, Bauer Media
    • Wanderlust and the Spanish Tourism Board, Wanderlust Travel Media Limited

    Event of the Year (B2C)

    • best Heroes, best Magazine, Hearst UK
    • The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival, APL Media
    • PONY Magazine Big Day Out, DJ Murphy Publishers
    • Time Out x Haagen Dazs Movies on the River
    • The Week Junior Book Awards, Future

    Newsletter of the Year

    • The Drinks Business daily newsletter, Union Press
    • Fun To Learn Newsletter, Redan Publishing
    • Good Food newsletter, Immediate
    • Heart Matters, British Heart Foundation
    • Saga Magazine Newsletter
    • SheerLuxe Daily Newsletter

    Podcast of the Year

    • Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast, Immediate
    • Love Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Think
    • Media Confidential, Prospect Publishing
    • Soul Survivors, Premier Christianity magazine
    • Talking General Practice, GPonline, Haymarket Business Media
    • Third Sector Podcast, Haymarket Media Group

    Commercial Partnership of the Year (B2B)

    • British Safety Industry Association Guide to UK Safety & Health Industry, Health and Safety Matters, Western Business Media
    • Dezeen x Bentley
    • Fixed Income: The Renaissance – Incisive Works for Capital Group, Incisive Media
    • Mastercard & Total Politics
    • Virgin Voyages partnership, TTG, TTG Media
    • Volkswagen ID. Buzz & What Car? Vans: getting van drivers to #ThinkAgain, Haymarket Automotive)

    Data Initiative of the Year

    • Channel Accelerator – Powered by Nexus, CRN, The Channel Company
    • From Clicks to Conversions: A Year of Data-Driven Growth, Immediate
    • Re-inventing renewals, Immediate

    Industry Partner of the Year

    • Air Business
    • Atlas
    • Marketforce
    • NLA media access
    • Workbooks

    Children’s Brand of the Year

    • Britannica’s What on Earth! Magazine
    • Fun To Learn Favourites, Redan Publishing
    • PONY, DJ Murphy Publishers

    Editor of the Year (B2C)

    • Hattie Brett, Grazia, Bauer Media
    • William Cash, Catholic Herald
    • Charlotte Collins, SheerLuxe
    • Tom Howard, The Garden, The Royal Horticultural Society
    • Kenya Hunt, ELLE UK, Hearst UK
    • Morgan Jeffery, RadioTimes.com, Immediate
    • Deborah Joseph, GLAMOUR, Condé Nast
    • Keith Kendrick, Good Food, Immediate
    • Greg Williams, WIRED, Condé Nast

  • New leadership teams at Bauer

    New leadership teams at Bauer

    Helen Morris and Steve Prentice named co-CEOs for Bauer’s UK Publishing print business, and UK Publishing CEO Chris Duncan decides to step down after four years.

    Bauer Media Group has announced a new UK print and international digital leadership team to support its long-term strategic aims. These changes see three senior appointments who will lead its newly unified international digital business and the appointment of co-CEOs in the UK to oversee the existing print business in the UK following current CEO Chris Duncan’s decision to step down later this year. 

    Bauer Media Group builds up international digital business in publishing

    Bauer Media Group will significantly expand its international digital publishing business, merging all digital areas of global publishing into one, with three executives to lead its ambitious growth plans.

    The digital business will be headed by Stefan Betzold as Chief Product Marketing Officer, Walther Steinhuber as Chief Product and Technology Officer, and Jan Rudolph as Chief Content Officer – Digital. All three have decades of experience in the development and establishment of digital business models. Stefan Betzold and Jan Rudolph will start in February, while Walther Steinhuber will begin in April 2024.

    Jan Wachtel, President of the Bauer Media Group’s global publishing business, explains: “Due to our localised structure, we are currently not making full use of our digital expertise. By merging the divisions, we will unlock new opportunities and better utilise Bauer Media Group’s international scale.” 

    Helen Morris and Steve Prentice appointed co-CEOs of UK Print Business

    Bauer Media has also announced the promotion of UK Group Managing Directors Helen Morris and Steve Prentice to Co-CEOs of the existing print business in the UK. 

    In her new role, Morris will have overall responsibility for content ensuring its editorial teams work together effectively to produce the content that its brands are known for. She brings more than 20 years’ experience and joined Bauer Media in 2005. Most recently, she expanded her portfolio as Group Managing Director to include all lifestyle and entertainment brands, such as Grazia, Empire, MOJO, TV Choice, and Bella among others. 

    Steve Prentice, meanwhile, will have overall responsibility of operations which includes advertising and sales management and the performance of its print production among others. He returned to Bauer as Group Managing Director for Special Interest and Puzzles in June 2021 having previously spent 15 years with the business including stints as Managing Director of Sport and Director of Publishing. 

    UK Publishing CEO Chris Duncan to depart after four years

    Chris Duncan will leave Bauer after four years having played an important role in the development of the business’s strategy. 

    Jan Wachtel said: “Since I joined the business, Chris has been an invaluable member of the global Publishing leadership team and been a key contributor to the development of the strategy for our business. We thank him for his brilliant work over the last four years and wish him all the best in the next stage of his journey.” 

    During his time with the business, Bauer Media’s UK publishing has maintained its positions as the UK’s biggest consumer magazine publisher and continued to build its reputation for delivering meaningful content to its readers across a variety of sectors and interests. Chris has also been a vocal leader across a number of key industry issues through his work with associations such as the PPA and IPSO. 

    Chris Duncan said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Jan and the other leaders across the business, particularly in the last year where we have collaborated so closely to define the best strategy for the future of our publishing business in the UK and internationally. I’ve also been immensely proud of the brilliant way all our people have continued to serve our readers and partners.

    “All of this has been made possible by the brilliant talent in our UK leadership team and I’m delighted to hand the reigns of our print business over to Helen and Steve, who I know will ensure Bauer’s print business goes from strength-to-strength.”

  • PPA selects inaugural Next Gen Board

    PPA selects inaugural Next Gen Board

    Today the PPA announces the selection of its inaugural Next Gen Board. Sixteen aspiring under 30s have been chosen from across the industry to work in tandem and collaboratively with the main PPA board to help shape the future of the specialist interest media sector. 

    The PPA initiative was announced in March this year, and is part of its strategy to encourage more inclusivity of younger and more diverse voices across the special interest media sector. Each cohort will be in situ for 18 months and the successful candidates all have a minimum of three years’ industry experience. The first board meeting will take place in July.

    The successful candidates are:

    Jo Gallacher, Editor, HR magazine – Mark Allen Group
    Rebecca Taylor, Commercial Content Manager – Retail Week, William Reed
    Maliha Shoaib, Editorial Associate, Vogue Business – Vogue Business
    Lauren Pulling, Products & Insight Director – Collingwood Advisory
    Gift Egbedi, Brand marketing & Communications manager, Beano studios – DC Thomson
    Gina Dawson, Head of Audience Development – Future
    Michael Sidhu, Data Analyst – Immediate Media
    Beth Crane, Affiliates director – Immediate Media
    Neve Trinder, Diversity & Belonging coordinator – Hearst UK
    Lauren Briner, Marketing Manager, The Week – Future
    Aliya Itzkowitz, Senior consultant – FT Strategies
    Navdeep Pal, Studio Manager – Haymarket Media Group Ltd;
    Eden-Olivia Lord, Deputy editor, Heat World and Closer online – Bauer Media
    Charlie Robinson, Commercial management accountant- New Scientist
    Josephine Judd, Commerce Picture Editor, GQ – Conde Nast
    Jade Burnett, Senior Conference Producer – Faversham House

    The PPA Next Gen Board assessment interviews took place on 15th June 2023, and included Jane Wolfson, PPA Chair of the Next Gen Board, with shortlisted candidates interviewed by panels including: Chris Duncan, CEO UK Publishing, Bauer; Nina Wright, CEO, Harmsworth; Ridhi Radia, head of ED&I, Immediate Media; Amer Safir, chief editor, The Review of Religions; Amy Ellis, head of rights & permission, PLS; Sophie Eke, chief marketing officer, Arc; Richie Booker, head of diversity & belonging, Hearst UK;  Jackie Scully, executive editor, Think Publishing; Stuart Forrest, Global SEO director, Bauer Media, Celia Macmillan, director of people & communications, Haymarket and Sophie Griffiths, editor and chief purpose officer, TTG Media.

    Wolfson will Chair the board and will be joined by Adrian Newton commercial director, New Scientist; Jackie Scully; Stuart Forrest; Sophie Eke; and Sajeeda Merali, CEO PPA as mentors for the Next Gen Board members.

    Jane Wolfson, chief commercial officer, Hearst UK commented: “What an inspiring group of candidates.  We had representation from across business and consumer media, as well as a wide range of job roles.  It’s going to be an absolute pleasure working alongside them and I think we are all going to learn a lot. I can’t wait to hear their opinions and ideas for the future of our industry.”

    Sajeeda Merali    , CEO, PPA commented: “This initiative has been hugely welcomed by the industry and we are delighted that so many people applied.  The Next Gen Board is just one example of the work the PPA is doing to disrupt long standing structures and ensure younger and more diverse industry voices are helping to shape the future of the sector.”     

  • PPA submits evidence to House of Lords Committee on the Digital Competition Bill

    PPA submits evidence to House of Lords Committee on the Digital Competition Bill

    The Communications and Digital Committee in the House of Lords is examining whether the Digital Markets, Consumer and Competition Bill delivers on its three core aims: improving consumer protection, regulating digital markets, and strengthening competition enforcement powers.

    Committee Chair Baroness Stowell has said that “getting this legislation right is about ensuring digital markets provide a level playing field and the opportunity for innovation to flourish and consumers enjoy the benefits of greater choice”.

    In its written evidence to the Committee, the PPA has highlighted the importance of this legislation to address existing barriers to competition in the digital market, particularly with advertising. This feeds into the PPA’s wider advocacy work around the Bill with both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

    The Committee will hear from expert witnesses over the coming weeks and eventually conclude its inquiry with a series of recommendations for the Government relating to the Bill.

    What next?

    The PPA will be monitoring this inquiry and will provide updates on significant developments.

    If you wish to discuss these matters with us directly, please contact our Policy and Public Affairs Manager Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk.

    You can view the House of Lords ongoing inquiry into the Digital Markets, Consumer and Competition Bill here.

  • Air Business appoints new Operations Director

    Air Business appoints new Operations Director

    Air Business, the global distribution, subscriptions and e-commerce management company, has appointed James Curness-Blane as Operations Director.

    Curness-Blane previously held senior positions at Aldi UK, Aldi SUD and most recently at Evri, where he was Head of Courier Operations.

    Curness-Blane replaces outgoing Operations Director Laitan Etti, who retired earlier this year after more than 35 years of service with Air Business. Curness-Blane takes on responsibility for the operational strategy of the company’s distribution arm, with a key focus on ensuring exceptional service standards, as well as all elements of the distribution process including warehousing, fulfilment and e-commerce. 

    Adam Sherman, Chief Executive Officer of Air Business, said “We are delighted to welcome James to our senior management team as we continue to strive for the highest possible standards. James has a sustained record of success within fast-paced environments across a range of industries, from grocery retail and innovation, to parcel logistics and courier operations.”

    Curness-Blane added, “I am thrilled to have joined Air Business during an exciting period of transformation. I am passionate about creating an outstanding and memorable experience for our customers, whilst also delivering on our business objectives.”

    Curness-Blane reports to Chief Operating Officer Phil Ions and is based at Air Business’ headquarters and distribution centre in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

  • National Geographic launches new title for pre-schoolers

    National Geographic launches new title for pre-schoolers

    National Geographic is launching a new magazine aimed at children aged 3-6: National Geographic Little Kids magazine. 

    Each issue of National Geographic Little Kids magazine will be contain activities, colourful photos, fun facts and exciting puzzles about wildlife, culture and the natural world. Based on the results of a 2019 National Geographic Kids reader survey, 95% of readers’ parents believe conservation is important to their family.

    • Pre-school titles have shown strong resilience in the face of the cost-of-living crisis with YoY RSV up 4.1%
    • Rise of home working has allowed parents to spend more time with family but has created a need to keep children occupied
    • Sustainability and environmental impact are now key concerns for shoppers and their families

    On the launch of National Geographic Little Kids magazine, Managing Director Peter Johnson says, “Our mission is to educate people on the world’s social and environmental issues.  Empathy develops in children as early as 2 years old so teaching children to care for our planet and the natural world can’t start soon enough. With National Geographic Little Kids magazine, we’ll show them how to do this in a fun and entertaining way. We feel National Geographic Little Kids is something vitally needed and wanted in the market as parents look for ways to teach their children about our wonderful, diverse, natural world.” 

    The new title will be on sale from 23 January 2023, priced £3.99, and published 13 times a year.