Online magazine publisher, The Lead, is expanding its reach in the North West of England after securing a further 6-figure investment.
The company launched 4 weekly newsletters in Blackpool, Bolton, Stoke-on-Trent and Teesside late last year and will now be adding The Hyndburn Lead, The Altrincham & Sale Lead and The Warrington Lead over the next couple of months.
Ed Walker, the “micro-mag” and newspaper’s Lead Editor (North) said it planned to set up in 10 regions in the North this year, printing 200k free newspapers:
“We’ve seen a strong response to our in-depth features and news exploring issues in all the places we’ve launched in so far.
“Through partnering with existing publications it’s important to recognise the good local journalism already going on and ensure as The Lead we’re working to complement that.”
The Lead’s expansion in the North follows a “significant” 6-figure investment from publisher, MJR Harris last year, this was followed up by a further 6-figure cash injection for 2024.
In Altrincham and Sale, which also happens to be the home town of The Lead’s Senior Editor (National), Natalie Morris, it will be partnering with Altrincham Today.
“This is good news for Altrincham and Sale,” stated David Prior, publisher of Altrincham Today.
“The past decade has hardly been a period of growth for the local news industry, but The Lead’s issues-led long-read journalism is showing that when done well, there is no more important part of a functioning democracy. We’re looking forward to partnering with The Lead both online and in print.”
In Warrington it’ll work with independent title, Warrington Worldwide.
“I’m incredibly proud to continue The Lead’s expansion into the North West, particularly in a place that is still home for me in many ways. Altrincham is consistently voted one of the best places to live, but there is so much more to it than good schools and footballer’s mansions,” stated Natalie Morris, Lead Senior Editor (National).
“It has been fascinating to witness the changes that have taken place in Altrincham over the last few decades. I’m excited to see the varied and nuanced stories that will emerge as we look to local journalists to dig below the surface to uncover the issues that really matter in this region.”
Following the launch of the email newsletters there will be a print edition of each title. In Altrincham and Warrington these will be distributed in association with the established hyperlocal titles alongside their current free print products.
