North East Times expands with Bdaily acquisition

North East Times is expanding.

The multi-platform publisher has acquired Bdaily from Groundsix.

The deal for the national digital news organisation bolsters North East Times’ presence as the region’s leading business-to-business media company.

It also strengthens North East Times’ position as the authoritative voice for commercial sector news and features across the region and beyond.

Work is now underway to refresh Bdaily’s online publishing channels, with an official re-launch scheduled for the coming weeks.

Coverage will initially focus on the North East, though plans are in place to expand nationally, to build on Bdaily’s previous moves into Yorkshire and London.

Based in Gateshead, North East Times produces the popular, bi-monthly North East Times Magazine alongside free and independently-led daily digital news content and high-quality videography.

It also oversees a growing events portfolio, which includes regular roundtable discussions with industry experts on a raft of topics, delivery of the North East HR&D Awards and partnerships with bodies such as business support organisation RTC North to present panel-based discussions.

And Pete Mallon, who, as creative and managing director, has masterminded North East Times’ transformation since reviving the brand nearly a decade ago, says Bdaily will catalyse its next growth phase.

He says: “We relaunched North East Times with the aim of becoming the UK’s most engaging and aesthetically striking business sector publisher.

“And through North East Times Magazine – which complements original and compelling long-form features of individuals and businesses making positive change with analytical insight and opinion – we’ve achieved that goal.

“But we are much more than a magazine.

“We have an equally strong digital presence and our events portfolio spans multiple sectors alongside partners from Northumberland to Teesside.

“Bdaily will add a further dimension to that offer through dedicated daily news stories and features.”

He adds: “With a new North East mayor and headline investment and job creation plan matched by great national political change, our region is a rapidly evolving place, and with Bdaily now part of our stable, we’ll continue to lead the charge on covering the stories that matter.

“We can’t wait to get going.”

John Duns, North East Times’ business development director, added: “The acquisition will allow us to offer an even more comprehensive service to commercial clients who are seeking to promote their brand and business right across the region.”

Roy Stanley, Groundsix chair, says he is excited to see the digital brand develop as part of North East Times.

He adds: “The team and I are incredibly proud of how Bdaily has grown over the last decade, becoming a trusted and well-read platform for thousands every day.

“And we’re delighted to have agreed a deal with North East Times to maintain such progress.

“We wanted to retain Bdaily’s regional roots, and the brand becoming part of North East Times does just that.

“I know Pete and his team have some exciting plans to build on Bdaily’s achievements, and I’m excited to see them come to fruition.”

The acquisition was supported by Newcastle, Darlington and Leeds-based Square One Law, with corporate partner John Hammill and corporate solicitor Vanessa Middleton offering valuable assistance.

Vanessa says: “For years, North East Times and Bdaily have excelled at reporting business news and showcasing some of our region’s most impressive companies and outstanding professionals.

“It’s been great for us to support this acquisition and work with Pete and John, who are both great leaders within the media profession.

“Like them, we are delighted with the outcome and I’m looking forward to seeing what they have planned.”

 

LinkedIn: North East Times Magazine

Pictured, left to right: John Duns, North East Times business development director; Vanessa Middleton; Square One Law corporate solicitor; Roy Stanley; Groundsix chair; and Pete Mallon, North East Times creative and managing director