insider
Newsletter Summer 2013
Introduction from The Chairman
I’m delighted to inform you that staff members from across the business will shortly be invited to tour the new press and view a bespoke exhibition about the company. Tours will begin with our Newspapers teams in September, before being extended to other parts of the business. More information will be provided in due course.
Welcome to the summer 2013 edition of the Insider, our quarterly internal magazine that provides an update on activities across the business. There’s been a lot happening over the last few months and in this edition we highlight a few of the exciting events that have helped to shape our summer. In June, we welcomed Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to our Kingsway premises. The Royal couple officially opened our new stateof-the-art press. This £25M investment – alongside other changes – should stand us in good stead for the future and help us to meet the demands of a challenging industry and economy. I was really pleased that so many of our staff members were able to meet The Duke and Duchess, and that we have a lasting memory of their visit in the official opening plaque.
In this edition, we welcome some of the new faces to our company including new Scottish Wedding Directory Editor Christina Miller, Marketing Executive Scott Mathieson, Creative Solutions Manager Mark Lenthall and Sub-Editor Corrie Knight. Welcome also to Simon Smith, our new Group OD Lead Partner. This appointment demonstrates the importance we place on supporting, developing and managing our staff members. In the Chair shines the spotlight on our new Head of Digital Kirsten Morrison, and we also meet the Digital and CIBD teams. It’s been a busy time for The Beano team, with various 75th anniversary activities taking place this year. The 75th anniversary issue of The Beano went on sale on 24th July and featured a host of celebrities including Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson, and Ant and Dec. There’s also The Beano 75th Birthday Bookazine, the Southbank
exhibition in London and the Vintage Festival in Glasgow. In August, The Beano will feature in the Edinburgh International Book Festival and The Broons and Oor Wullie will appear in the Tattoo, which this year celebrates the year of natural Scotland. There have been some exciting new developments recently including Jackie the Musical. A cast of professional performers, including the daughter of Estates Engineering Manager Stewart Lynch, will help to bring Jackie The Musical to life at Dundee’s Gardyne Theatre from September solid d to October. Our Group company brights is working with the Imperial War Museum to create an interactive digital project about the First World War and Puzzler Media Ltd has also been busy, launching eight new titles to complement its puzzle portfolio. During 2012 / 2013, staff members raised a fantastic £8600 for our Charity of the Year – Alzheimer Scotland. We’re now looking for staff members to suggest which worthwhile charity should become our partner for 2013 / 2014. Please read the Charity Update on page 12 for more information.
This year’s Management Development Programme participants received their completion certificates from Andrew F. Thomson during an event at Kingsway in June. Rachel McConachie, John Price, Greig Mitchell, Gary Aitchison, Tracy Kydd, Sylwia Jackowska, Gillian Grierson (pictured above) all successfully passed the course, along with those not present for the photograph, Kerry Medford, Gina Ellingford, Donna Harford, Craig French and David Holland. To complete the course, managers attend training modules and complete a work-based presentation project. Some of the participants are now planning to undertake an external qualification in Leadership and Management. The next programme is due to start in September. For more information, speak to your line manager or contact Angie Merrilees on amerrilees@dcthomson.co.uk / 01382 575 938.
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Welcome To...
Christina Miller is the new Editor of Scottish Wedding Directory (SWD), covering maternity leave. Christina’s family moved from Surrey to Dundee when she was five-years-old and she now feels at home in the City of Discovery. Christina completed an MA in Arts and Social Sciences at Dundee University, while working full-time, freelancing and blogging. She said, “I’m a freelance writer, but the opportunity to work on such a successful magazine and be part of the SWD brand was too tempting to pass up. The move to DC Thomson was also appealing; it’s a very exciting time for SWD and this was something I wanted to be part of. I’ve met some brilliant people at SWD, they’re a great team.”
Marketing Executive Scott Mathieson has joined DC Thomson from Trinity Mirror, where he worked in Marketing for The Daily Record and Sunday Mail. He said, “I have 10 years’ experience in the commercial side of the newspaper publishing business. My very first job was in customer service for Circulation. From there, I moved to Logistics along with Sales Analysis. For the past five years, I worked as part of a very strong marketing team where I managed to get my first TV campaign to air within a very tight budget and timeline.” Keen to stay in media marketing, Erskine-born Scott jumped at the opportunity to work for DC Thomson. He said, “I wanted to remain in media marketing, but to expand my experience with regional and national titles. Working for DC Thomson was a very attractive prospect, particularly because I grew up reading DC Thomson titles including The Beano, The Dandy and Oor Wullie. It felt like I was
Mark Lenthall has joined the company in the new role of Creative Solutions Manager, working across Dundee and Aberdeen. Previously, Mark worked as General Manager for full service agency AVC Media and in a senior role for United Business Media (UBM). As Creative Solutions Manager, Mark will create and deliver bespoke campaigns for commercial customers across our publishing business.
joining a company that I’d known since I was very young.” Scott, who is a film and TV buff, is looking forward to marketing The Sunday Post, The Weekly News and Evening Telegraph. He said, “I have a strong marketing and media campaign that is designed to support the title and hopefully to help increase sales.”
Christina is currently working with the editorial team on features for the October issue and laying the ground work for the January issue. She’s also ensuring the team has the necessary support to meet their internal deadlines and targets. The editorial team will also produce content for the new website and implement the SWD social media strategy.
Corrie Knight is The Press and Journal’s new Sub-Editor. Born in Ayr and raised in Lossiemouth, Corrie studied for his Diploma in Communication at Moray College, focusing on a mixture of business and media studies. During his course of study, Corrie wrote stories for The Press and Journal from the Elgin office.
A self-confessed chocaholic, Christina is a lover of shoes and dogs. She added, “It’s been very busy, but great fun.”
He said, “For one year starting in September 2001, I went along to the Elgin office every Friday and
Mark said, “I am delighted to join DC Thomson, particularly at such an exciting time. Having worked for media owners and agencies I understand that, increasingly, clients want a more creative and joined-up approach to their marketing. They want results – whether it’s in-paper, online or in person.” He added, “DC Thomson has a very talented and resourceful staff and some truly iconic brands and I’m really looking forward to working with colleagues across the business for various clients to help them reach their audiences.” Originally from Kent, Mark moved to Scotland in 2003. Outside work, Mark plays guitar for the Aberdeen-based wedding and party band Heartland.
managed to build up a portfolio of more than 80 articles. This was enough to convince Napier University in Edinburgh to accept me to the second year of their journalism degree course.” In 2004, Corrie graduated from Napier University with a Bachelor of Arts and managed to secure a job as a Proof Reader for The Scotsman. He started proofing for sister paper Scotland on Sunday two years later.
Corrie said, “I was obliged to take voluntary redundancy in 2008 and re-trained as a Sub-Editor.” Corrie worked as a Proof Reader before securing his job with The Press and Journal. He said, “I’m settling in well – everyone is really nice. My parents are pleased that I’m working for The Press and Journal as the Granite City is much closer to Moray.” 3
In the News
From left to right; Sandra Gray, Mark MacKay, Paul Reoch, Richard Burge, Kirsty Topping and Peter Swindon.
The Courier’s Perth-based editorial team are more accustomed to writing the news than being the news. But that’s exactly what happened when they relocated from Hospital Street to their new premises in George Street. The removal of a modern façade during refurbishment work on the George Street building uncovered a rare surviving traditional shopfront. The shopfront was restored and preserved, with 50% grant assistance from Perth City Heritage Fund (PKHT). It has since been hailed as a good example of how the sympathetic repair of an historic building can add to the character of business premises. Conservation Architect Andrew Driver said, “The new Courier office on George Street is a fantastic addition to one of Perth’s main shopping fares.” The modern editorial hub in the heart of Scotland’s newest city is home to Perth’s six-strong reporting team. It will be the focus for The Courier’s efforts to deliver an unrivalled local news service to readers in communities across the district. The main Perth office number is 01738 622273 and the email address is perth@thecourier.co.uk
From left to right; Damian Bates, Richard Neville, Richard Prest, Donald Martin,The Duke of Rothesay, Alan McCabe and Ellis Watson.
There was a flurry of activity surrounding the official opening of our new state-of-the-art press in Dundee. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay visited our Kingsway premises, inspected a bespoke exhibition about the company, met staff members from across the business – including Dennis the Menace – and officially started the multimillion pound press. Technical Manager Jim McBride said, “We were delighted to welcome The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay to our Kingsway plant, and it meant a lot to everyone involved in the press installation project. Their Royal Highnesses toured the presses and met with staff members from across our publishing business, in particular Production.”
As part of the official opening, Their Royal Highnesses made a guest appearance in a special VIP edition of The Beano. The special Royal issue sold an extra 2000 copies (total sales of 35,500 copies including Newsstand sales), and attracted significant external media interest – including from BBC2 comedy show Mock the Week. The Royal strips appeared on air, along with a bespoke illustration of the panellists dressed as Menaces. His Royal Highness wrote an introduction for both The Press and Journal’s and The Courier’s new Farming supplements. Both newspapers re-launched their existing specialist weekly coverage in two new larger pull-out supplements. In the foreword, His Royal Highness
acknowledged the importance of the supplements to the rural and farming communities of the north, north-east and east-central Scotland. The Press and Journal Farming Editor Joe Watson said, “The new supplement gives our weekly pages a significant boost by adding a regular equestrian slot and by providing a regular photo diary of social events in the agricultural community.” The Courier’s Farming Editor Ewan Pate added, “Farming has always played a key role in Scotland in terms of land use and the economy. By investing in our Farming supplement we’re showing our commitment to the industry and our ambition to support its diversification and expansion into the future.” 4
On Screen
The People’s Friend Strawberry Tea
The Beano celebrated its 75th anniversary in July. A special edition of the comic was published featuring a host of celebrities including Wimbledon winner Andy Murray, footballing giants David Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson and TV hosts Ant and Dec. Our new 100% Official Dennis the Menace and Gnasher MEGAzine launched in July, to coincide with a new series of popular CBBC animation show Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. The 60-page monthly magazine includes a 32-page ‘Complete Comic Adventure’ section and a free retail-quality branded gift. Editor-in-Chief Mike Stirling said, “Dennis and Gnasher are the two most popular characters in The Beano. Our research found that most eight to 10 year olds who read The Beano also watch
the TV show. We felt the crossover on screen and in print allowed our fans a more interactive experience.” Earlier this summer, the team participated in Gromit Unleashed. As part of the project, wellknown celebrities – including Sir Quentin Blake, Harry Hill and The Beano team – decorated 80 giant Gromit sculptures. The 5ft sculptures have been “unleashed” on Bristol, and will be auctioned off for charity in the autumn. The Beano Gromit – which The Beano team worked on with artist Dave Sutherland – featured a collage of cuttings from the comic. The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay made guest appearances in a special VIP edition of The Beano in June. The special edition featured strips on healthy eating and literacy with His Royal Highness starring in The Bash Street
Kids strip. Meanwhile, Her Royal Highness appeared in a Dennis the Menace and Gnasher strip, visiting Beanotown to highlight the importance of reading. The comic attracted significant media coverage and led to a significant sales increase. In August, The Beano will feature in the International Book Festival and The Broons and Oor Wullie will be part of the Tattoo, which celebrates the year of natural Scotland. As part of The Beano’s 75th anniversary celebrations, The Beano team want staff members to Tweet their favourite memories of the comic using the #beano75years hashtag. And don’t forget to vote for The Beano, which has been shortlisted for Cover of the Century by the PPA. Voting closes in September at http://www.ppa.co.uk/ppa100/vote/#beano
One of the year’s most eagerly anticipated bake sales took place in the Consumer Entertainment department at our Kingsway site in July. The People’s Friend Strawberry Tea saw talented bakers from across the department, and wider business, prepare a mouth-watering array of cakes, biscuits and sweets for charity. A total of £1350 was raised for Breast Cancer Care Scotland. Editor Angela Gilchrist said, “One of the nicest things about the Strawberry Tea is that it brings together staff members from across our Kingsway premises, and this year was no exception. Special thanks go to The People’s Friend team, the bakers themselves and to the many staff members and local businesses who generously donated raffle prizes.” Magazine Journalist Katrina Patrick added, “The People’s Friend editorial team did an amazing job of co-ordinating the raffle and selling tickets and My Weekly’s Maggie Seed brought a sense of fun to the occasion with her “mystic” palm reading.” 5
Meet the Digital Team Following the recent restructure of Digital, the team provide an insight into the different roles and functions within the department. Back-End Developing Back-end developers cover a variety of different web development aspects, from building and designing site databases, to adding security features, completing complex calculations and monitoring websites on the servers. One of the team’s back-end developers, Chris Cosgrove, said he knew he wanted to become a developer when he wrote his first Hello World Program. Chris said, “I’ve always had an interest in technology. For me, the most important aspect of creating a site is the technical challenge of visualising how something could or should look.” Front-End Developing Front-end developing is best described as the part of the web that you can see and interact with. Damian Stefaniak writes the website aesthetics coding for the Digital team. He said, “Front-end developing requires a balance between writing code and having an eye for the visual design of the site. That’s what I enjoy most about the job, and why I was attracted to this position.” Originally from Poland, Damian worked as a Developer at IOKI for two years before joining DC Thomson. He said, “I moved to Dundee because I couldn’t resist the sunny Scottish weather – and to be closer to my family in Inverness!” Digital Design Barry Conlon and Mark Watson work on newsletters, emails, ads and web design for the Digital team. Barry, who graduated from RGU with a degree in Graphic Design, enjoys the diversity of the role. He said, “As digital designers, it’s important that we remain at the forefront of new technologies to support company strategies. The greatest challenge of the job is staying innovative in a fast-paced industry that’s always changing.” Mark has worked for DC Thomson for 13 years and
Back row, left to right; Craig Ferguson, Dan McGachey, Barry Conlon, Chris Cosgrove, Ashleigh Gibbs, Iain Ritchie, Rachel Shackleton, Ellen White, Damian Stefaniak, Kikii McIntosh, Dhanik Alkegama and Lauren Knight. Front row, left to right; Mark Watson, Chris McAndrew, John Leatherbarrow, Sam Miller and Ian Cowley.
recently switched roles to join the team. He added, “I like working on a variation of products for our many titles. I really enjoy the variety the role brings.” Digital Marketing, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) and Analytics SEO involves tailoring web content to optimise search engine results, while Analytics help us to uncover the strengths and weaknesses of a website. SEO and Analytics help to inform our digital marketing strategy, and SEO Manager Russell Scott works closely with Jen Shaw from Group Marketing. Jen said, “All of our marketing activity involves a digital element – we regularly use dedicated landing pages for our promotions and online advertising and email marketing to promote our products. It’s
vital we target our customers via the media we know they’re using.” Digital Content Production Ashleigh Gibbs works across our magazine titles, turning interesting printed copy into engaging digital content. She creates digital editions of our magazines, updates the websites and provides design support. She said, “I like working in a fast paced and constantly changing digital environment. It’s really exciting being involved with new websites and seeing how they develop.” Digital Animation Lauren Knight, Iain Ritchie, Kikii McIntosh and Rachel Shackleton bring 2D images to life through movement. They worked on the Digital
Dandy and are now using their art and design skills on the Dennis and Gnasher site. The recent graduates say their biggest challenge is making movement realistic and believable. Lauren said, “It’s a task that requires meticulous attention to detail and an abundance of patience!” Elsewhere, John Leatherbarrow and Barry participated in Culture Hack Scotland, a 48-hour event that brings together designers, developers and creators. John and Barry worked on Project Joyride, where electrical sensors were attached to a bicycle to convert it into a wireless controller. John, Barry and the rest of Project Joyride were awarded a commendation from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Digital Producer Sarah Ellis. http://www.welcometosync.com/joyride/ 6
Publishing Mix
DC Thomson had a stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show, which took place at Ingliston, near Edinburgh, in June. The stand was managed by our Newspapers Marketing team, and the aim was to support the launch of The Courier’s and The Press and Journal’s new Farming supplements. Newspapers Marketing Executive Gina Ellingford said, “There were promotional materials and banners around the show grounds, including in the main ring. Our team sold around 2000 copies of The Courier, The Press and Journal and The Sunday Post during the event – which was a fantastic result.” The London Advertising team
The second annual Advertising Sales Conference took place at the Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews in May. Staff members from London, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness gathered to discuss individual and group performances during the previous year and to plan for the year ahead. New signage has been erected at our premises in Aberdeen. The “Forever Aberdeen” advertising not only highlights our dedication to the city, but also brightens the outside of the building. We’ve already received positive feedback from staff members and customers about this.
Head of Advertising (CE) Andy Williams said, “The conference is the only time in the year when the different advertising teams can come together in one room. We review our performance over the previous year, gauge where we are in relation to our competitors and identify the different innovations and developments. We also look at the year
ahead, the challenges we’ll face and how we can generate more revenue for the business through innovation and product development.”
to the client, as well as the rest of the room. The clients, and CEO Publishing Ellis Watson, chose the winning team based on ideas, presentation and innovation.”
Staff members heard presentations from our advertising sales managers, circulation managers and editors. An external speaker was also bought in to provide context in terms of the wider market. In addition to the presentations, staff members participated in a syndicate project challenge.
The winning team was Frenchies Fancies, which comprised Craig French (team leader), Pauline Nicolson, Kerry Medford, Billy Vincent, Seonaid Macrae, Zoe Hoskins, Liam McRobb, Jennifer Hutchinson, Amy Jones and Karys Paterson, and was supported by Leigh McConville and Sophie Granier. Andy added, “Overall the conference was really upbeat and positive. It’s really useful to reflect on what’s happened, how far we’ve come and recognise how well we’ve performed.”
Andy said, “This year, the teams were given a brief by one of two actual clients. They had to design a pitch within 12 hours and present it
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New Ventures
The SWD team
Our SWD colleagues have moved into the CE department at our Kingsway site in Dundee. The 14-strong team includes Managing Editor Lorna Leckie, Sales Director Craig Carson, Editor Christina Miller, Design Production Manager Lewis Clark, Business Support and Fashion Co-ordinator Beth Farquhar, Features Writers Natasha Radmehr and Stephanie Telfer, Production and Events Assistant Rachael Duff, Website Admin and Sales Eilidh Connors, Senior Sales Executive Lesley Traynor and Sales Executive Dawn Stafford. Editor Christina Miller said, “The welcome from staff members across the company has been amazing and has really helped us settle in well. We’re excited to share best practice with our colleagues in Consumer Entertainment. We’re a small team and have done things our own way for a long time, so it will be good to see where we can improve.” SWD is the longest established, marketleading wedding magazine in Scotland. The quarterly magazine has a circulation of around 12,500 copies at Newstrade, which increases to around 17,000 through wedding exhibitions and events. The team is currently working on the October issue, implementing a new social media strategy and re-launching its website.
Lisa Lynch
The daughter of Estates Engineering Manager Stewart Lynch has secured the title role in Jackie The Musical. London-based Lisa Lynch (24) will play Jackie when the show comes to Dundee’s Gardyne Theatre. Lisa said, “I’ve done a lot of stuff in London and UK tours, but there’s not been an opportunity for me to come home since I trained professionally. I’m looking forward to it, but obviously there’s a bit of pressure.” A cast of professional performers, who have recently appeared in West End shows including Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar, will help to bring Jackie The Musical to life. The soundtrack will feature a plethora of hit songs including Could It Be Forever (David Cassidy), What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted (Jimmy Ruffin), Bye Bye Baby (Bay City Rollers) and Who Loves You Baby (Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons). Lisa, who plays young Jackie, said, “There will also be a Jackie in her 50s. She’s going through a divorce and has flashbacks when I show her life, what she was like. We do scenes together and I’m saying ‘Go on, get out there, live your life.’” Lisa, who graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts with a First Class Honours, has her dad to thank for bringing her home to Dundee. She said, “My dad saw an article in the paper and sent it to me. I wrote to the director, had an audition and got the part!” Stewart added, “Her mother and I are so proud of her. From performing in the Thomson Leng Musical Society to securing leading roles 8 in West Side Story and A Chorus Line.”
In the
Chair
Name: Job title: Location: Start date:
Kirsten Mor ris on
Kirsten Morrison Head of Digital Kingsway January 2013
>Question
>Question
>Question
What attracted you to the company / the role?
Tell us an interesting fact about you or your role?
Who do you aspire to be like and why?
>Answer
>Answer
I was attracted to the role for two key reasons. The first was the amazing opportunity. DC Thomson is still in the early stages of its digital development, and with my background in newspapers and digital, I was very excited about being part of it. The second reason was Ellis Watson. I’d worked with Ellis before and loved the challenge!
An interesting fact about me – I love cycling and have cycled across Jordan, Vietnam and Cambodia for charity. An interesting fact about Digital – a total of 20 percent of daily Google searches are performed for the first time – i.e. no one has previously searched for the exact same information.
Anyone who challenges themself, and others around them, to regularly step outside their comfort zone.
>Question
What keeps you interested / makes you stay?
What do you like most about your job / what are the greatest challenges?
>Answer We have a tremendous portfolio of products, and all of them require a viable digital solution. The market is moving extremely quickly and we need to be able to prioritise well.
>Question
>Answer
>Question How do you see your role evolving?
>Answer It’s too early to say just now – we’re still in the process of getting our products right.
>Question
>Answer
What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever had?
I’ve only been with DC Thomson for a couple of months, but I’m here to deliver a commercially viable digital strategy. That’s a massive opportunity. I’m also interested in integrating Digital into the publishing mix and engaging new audiences in our titles, products and brands via different mediums.
I have two – never stop learning, and never look for problems, only solutions.
>Answer
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Across the Group
Having recently launched eight new titles to complement its existing portfolio, Puzzler Media Ltd launched a new range of 15 puzzle titles at the start of July. The Simply range aims to appeal to consumers who want their favourite puzzles without the distractions and variations of other magazines. With prices starting at £1.25 for a pocket title, the emphasis is on great quality at a fantastic, value-for-money price. There are six different A5 pocket titles in the range targeted at consumers who like to take their puzzles wherever they go. The range offers all of the most popular puzzle types – crosswords, wordsearches, sudoku, arrowords, kriss krosses, codewords, number-fits and mixed puzzles. Publishing Manager Mark Whiteway said, “The new Simply range will be exactly as the name suggests – just great puzzles at a great price. We’re confident that the clean, fresh design will appeal to customers of all ages and despite the keen cover price we haven’t compromised on puzzle quality.” The new range is available at WHSmith High Street, Independents and convenience stores.
soliid Our Group company brights is working with the Imperial War Museum to create an interactive digital project called Lives of the solid d will First World War. brights access museums, libraries, archives and family collections from across the world to bring together in one place the stories of eight million First World War soldiers. The platform is due to go live later this year, in time for the start of centenary events from summer 2014. solid d’s Chris van der Kuyl brights said members of the public
would be able to help build on the stories.
UK Government banning packed lunches.
He said, “The UK has an incalculable wealth of historical archives. Institutions like the war museum are world leaders in making those records available online to millions of people worldwide. We are only beginning to realise the cultural potential of these archives.”
Earlier this year, MyFamilyClub launched MyFamilyPack – a free money saving kit that is delivered directly to the homes of ordinary mums and dads. The pack includes a range of family goodies including money saving vouchers, pampering and beauty samples, and sweet treats for the kids. MyFamilyClub managed to secure sun protection for families signing up to the pack during summer.
As part of the project, people are being encouraged to upload their own content in order to create a rich narrative for every man or woman whose life was shaped by the war.
MyFamilyClub – one of our new digital brands – has been busy building a loyal customer base of families across the UK. The money saving site that launched last year helps families make, save and manage their money.
Chris added, “I’m sure that, as the centenary approaches, members of the public will deepen these stories by uploading their own images and stories to create an evocative picture of how our lives were impacted by the First World War.”
CEO and mum-of-three Gemma Johnson has become the “go to” spokesperson on family finance, with recent media appearances including ITV Daybreak, BBC Breakfast and Sky News.
Gemma said, “I wanted to create something that reached out to parents up and down the country that do a brilliant job raising their children and are often forgotten about. This is our way of saying “Well done” to mums and dads across the UK, and to treating them to something a little bit special.”
In July, Gemma was invited by Sky News to discuss the impact of the
For more information, go to www.myfamilyclub.co.uk
An exhibition celebrating magazine publishing will be staged at our Kingsway premises in September, with plans to display it at our Mastrick site in 2014.
Nikki Simpson said, “100 Years of Scottish Magazine Publishing shows how our nation’s publications have developed since the early 1900s with a variety of covers, the history of the magazines and nostalgic and contextual descriptions of each period.”
The exhibition, entitled 100 Years of Scottish Magazine Publishing, has been put together by PPA Scotland to mark their centenary. A snapshot of the industry over the last 300 years, it features DC Thomson titles including Commando, The Scots Magazine and The People’s Friend. PPA Scotland Business Manager
She added, “The exhibition is an appreciation of the diverse impact Scottish publications have made on readers around the world, and the fascinating stories behind them.
Young magazine readers, publishers and designers will find a wealth of knowledge on Scotland’s magazine publishing heritage within the exhibition.” The exhibition is accompanied by Unlimited, a one-off magazine written by PPA Scotland members and designed by CMYK Design http://unlimited.ppa.co.uk/. It goes on display in the main Kingsway canteen from Monday 2nd September until Friday 27th September. 10
Consumer Insight and Brand Development The restructure of CIBD is now complete and we’d like to introduce the new team. The department now consists of three key areas; Consumer Research, Account Management and Innovation. Head of CIBD Helenor Gilmour said, “We help the business put the consumer’s needs at the heart of every business decision. Our research team design and produce awardwinning insight programmes to bring valuable information to the business. The account team help managers deploy that research to best advantage and Innovations identify launch opportunities.” Carol Prest has taken up the role of Consumer Research Manager. She will be supported by Consumer Research Executives Sharon Clark, Judith Aitchison and Laura Petrie. Melissa Birrell has joined the team in a part-time undergraduate role. Sharon moved from Advertising in 2010, where she had worked for 20 years. She’ll work on research for the Evening Telegraph, Evening Express, Innovations and support commercial departments and Group projects. She said, “I love the diversity of my role, there is always so much on the go.” Judith has been part of the CIBD team for almost nine years. She said, “I’ll be working on youth, mature, newspaper strategy and other company projects. The job is varied and challenging but I really enjoy it.” Laura recently joined the team from CE Circulation. She’ll work on research for The Courier, The Press and Journal, The People’s Friend and our boy’s titles. She said, “It can be challenging juggling so many different publications, but I work with a great team.” Account Manager Pamela Low heads up the Accountt Mana agem mentt Team, made up of
Back row, left to right; David Moyes, Gail Creighton, Judith Aitchison, Pamela Low, Victoria Tait and Helenor Gilmour. Front row, left to right; Laura Petrie, Melissa Birrell and Laura Hogan. Absent; Carol Prest and Sharon Clark
Gail Creighton and Victoria Tait. Pamela said, “I work closely with the research team to agree recommendations and identify potential business opportunities for our titles including The People’s Friend, The Sunday Post, The Courier and The Press and Journal. It’s vital that we understand all areas of the business; our strategic proposition, financial situation and how our competitors are performing.” Victoria is the Account Manager for the Evening Telegraph, Evening Express, The Weekly News, The Scots Magazine and Puzzler. She said, “We build on research
findings from a broad commercial perspective and work with the titles to capitalise on opportunities and implement solutions. I enjoy being part of the team because it’s a fast paced and challenging environment, with a very talented and driven team.”
Inno ovatio ons s Mana agerr David Moyes captures suggestions for new magazine titles and provides project support to take viable suggestions into full development. He said, “I love the adrenaline rush of launching a new title, and watching it being picked up at the Newsstand.”
Gail added, “I started in a research role and am now responsible for account managing our youth titles. I’m the key custodian of children’s research and ensure it’s used in an effective manner to support the editorial and commercial teams to do what they do best. I’m passionate about the positive impact research has on the business.”
Admin Lead Laura Hogan completes the team. Laura moved to CIBD from CE, where she had worked for the past 18 years. She said, “I’m responsible for the organisation and administration of the department, including managing Helenor’s diary. I’m enjoying my new role and think I’ve settled in really well.” 11
Charity Update
Lynsey McArthur
Payroll Assistant Lynsey McArthur has set herself the unenviable challenge of completing three 10km runs this year, to mark turning 30 and to raise money for our Charity of the Year 2012 / 2013 – Alzheimer Scotland. Ahead of her first 10km at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival in May, Lynsey organised a bake sale at Kingsway and, along with sponsorship, raised a total of £245. Lynsey said, “The support was fantastic. The course started at Dynamic Earth and went round Holyrood Park – taking in beautiful views of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh – before finishing back at Dynamic Earth. The first 2km was mostly uphill and pretty tough. I was really struggling after 7km, but managed to push on and finish in a time of 1hr and 21mins. I was really pleased as the most I’d ever run before was 5km.” We’re now on the hunt for a new charity partner for 2013 / 2014. If you’d like to nominate a worthwhile charity please email The Sunday Post’s Cat Noonan on cnoonan@dcthomson.co.uk by Friday 30th August. We’re also looking for staff members to join our Charity of the Year Committee, which will be responsible for overseeing all fundraising events and activities. Please email Cat if you’re able to help.
Rory Duncan and Katrina Patrick
Consumer Products Creative Assistant Rory Duncan and The People’s Friend Magazine Journalist Katrina Patrick got more than they expected when they participated in a charity bungee jump in Clydebank recently.
wasn’t the worst part. Halfway up the lift we were told we had to do a running jump from the platform. As you can imagine, this came as something of a shock and we both turned white! We were under the impression it would be slightly more sedate.”
Katrina and Rory signed up to jump the 150ft (45.72m) Highland Fling bungee jump at Queens Quay, Clydebank, for Maggie’s Centre (Dundee and National).
Katrina said, “It was my first bungee jump and I was absolutely terrified. We were put in a body harness, with the bungee cord at the front rather than around your ankles.”
Rory, who did a bungee jump at Killicrankie Bridge last year, said, “Unfortunately, the weather was less than ideal, with heavy winds and light rain. But that
She continued, “Rory did a spectacular dive off the platform. I tried to replicate his effort and ran up as fast as I could. However I slowed down completely
near the edge and slipped reluctantly off, clutching at the bungee cord for dear life.” Both Rory and Katrina successfully completed their jump and managed to raise over £706 for Maggie’s Centre (Dundee and National). Katrina said, “Despite being scarier than Killicrankie Bridge, Rory hasn’t been put off. He’s got his eye on Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa. At 216m, it’s the highest commercial, natural bungee in the world. However I’m quite happy to tick this off my ‘bucket list’ and never set foot on, or off, another bungee platform ever again!” 12