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Press Release

Claverley Group announces Kennedy Enterprises deal

By on

10th April 2018

- Press Release

The Claverley Group can confirm it has taken a majority shareholding in Kennedy Enterprises Ltd, publisher of children’s magazines.

Kennedy publishes a portfolio of 25 different magazines, with annual copy sales close to 4million.

The investment will see Kennedy Publishing, the company under which Kennedy Enterprise Ltd trades, continue to operate from its current base in Wick, near Bristol.

The agreement with Claverley has been made with a view to support the further growth of the business.

Dean Barber, circulation director of the Claverley-owned Midland News Association, has been appointed as managing director of Kennedy Publishing.

Dean will work alongside the current shareholders of the business, Joanne and Paul Kennedy.

The Claverley Group comprises of MNA, publisher of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star; the Guiton Group, which owns Jersey Evening Post and Guernsey Press; commercial print company Precision Colour Printing; and publishing software company Press Computer Systems.

Claverley Group CEO Phil Inman said: “We are delighted to confirm our investment in a growing business and look forward to working with the current shareholders to support the development of the portfolio of titles over the coming years.

“The deal shows Claverley’s commitment to print and will further grow our portfolio of businesses.”

Paul Kennedy said: “Claverley is well known to us through our longstanding relationship with Precision Colour Printing. We welcome the opportunity to draw upon its strengths while continuing to increase our range of quality magazines.”

For further information contact:

Chris Leggett, MNA director of marketing and communications: 01902 319455
Email: chris.leggett@expressandstar.co.uk

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News

Express & Star Editor makes debut appearance on Sky TV

By on

5th April 2018

- News

Express & Star Editor Keith Harrison made his debut appearance on Sky TV yesterday morning for the papers review.

Keith was approached by Sky as part of an initiative to get voices from beyond the M25 onto their morning flagship show.

He is one of the first regional editors to appear on the Sky sunrise papers review show, and was able to give a perspective from the West Midlands.

Keith appeared alongside environmentalist Amy Cameron, with issues including the Russian disaster, knife crime and the gender pay gap being discussed.

Keith said: “I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was great to have some national exposure for the Express & Star.

“I worked in a few references to our Express & Star campaigns on knife crime and our interview with Jeremy Corbyn.

“It’s great that Sky are getting a wider perspective from different regions on their flagship morning show. I even managed to get a couple of gags in there as well.”
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News

MNA gender pay statement

By on

29th March 2018

- News

The MNA can confirm its gender pay gap results ahead of the April 4 deadline.

Under the UK Government’s Gender Pay Gap Regulations, employers in Great Britain with more than 250 employees are required to report their gender pay gap.

The results uploaded to the GOV.UK website show female staff receive an hourly rate which is, on average, 10.2% lower than male staff. On average, bonus pay for female staff is 33% higher than for male colleagues.

We will continue to promote equality and inclusion at Midland News Association Ltd and are committed to reducing the gender pay gap.

To see the MNA’s GOV.UK website statement click here

To download the MNA statement PDF click here

I can confirm our data is accurate.

Graeme Clifford, Managing Director

The Midland News Association Ltd

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News

Promotional video created for new Shropshire Weekly magazine

By on

21st March 2018

- News

A promotional video has been created to showcase the MNA’s brand new print product, Shropshire Weekly.
 
Put together by the video and communications teams, the clip features an overview of the magazine and its content.
 
Editor Thom Kennedy is featured and he encourages readers to “join the conversation” generated by the magazine. Thom says: “Shropshire Weekly is a magazine with people at its heart. 
 
“We share local people’s experiences, stories and recommendations every week.”
 
Shropshire Weekly focusses on life and culture from Ludlow to Whitchurch, Oswestry to Shrewsbury and Bridgnorth to Telford.
 
It looks into everything that matters to local people, from food to films, and from modern living to past memories.
 
The first issue went on sale across the county on Friday March 2, and will then be published every Friday at a retail price of £2.50.


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Services

How to avoid a public relations disaster

By on

20th March 2018

- Services

Sundeep Sehijpal

Bad publicity is something every company dreads. Once a business hits the headlines for the wrong reasons, it can be very difficult to re-build a reputation, writes Sundeep Sehijpal of Star Public Relations.

In January, clothes retailer H&M was at the centre of a row over a hoodie. The firm was slammed for an advert showing a young, black male model wearing a green jumper with the words: “Coolest monkey in the jungle.” The clothing giant withdrew the garment after racism accusations.

Virgin Trains pulled the Daily Mail newspaper from its trains after staff complained about the title’s coverage of issues such as immigration. The decision has since been revoked, but the company was accused of enforcing censorship. Both these companies never thought it would happen to them. Following years of helping businesses avoid a PR disaster there are some practical tips I can recommend.

Firstly, if there is something you don’t want to be seen doing, don’t do it. Ensure your company operates legally, ethically and with sound judgement.

If you want to invite controversy or make a point in the public arena, think carefully about how this will be perceived and where it could lead. Also, examine your checking process. Make sure anything going public, such as brochures, websites and leaflets, have been thoroughly proofed by a number of people.

Internal communications are crucial. It is important to make sure employees are aware of what they can and can’t talk about outside of the company walls.

Lastly, social media has the potential to cause problems. Having a clear brand social strategy and an online policy in place for staff will help minimise the risks. Employees should also be made aware of the risks of using their own personal social media accounts.

PR disasters can be dealt with but you have to be vigilant and enlisting an agency or external expert can help weather the storm.

Sundeep Sehijpal is agency director for Star Public Relations, part of the Midland News Association, publisher of the Express & Star. This article originally appeared on the Express & Star website.

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News

New promotions manager for the MNA

By on

16th March 2018

- News

The MNA is pleased to announce that Trish Penny has been promoted to the position of promotions manager with effect from next month.

Trish will formally take over from Viv Birch after Viv leaves at the end of this month following an amazing career with the company covering 40 years.

In her new role, Trish will be responsible for the successful delivery of the full range of MNA events, including the Express & Star Business Awards and the Great Big Thank You Awards across both the Black Country and Shropshire.

Having first joined the company in January 1986, Trish has held a series of positions in the advertising and promotions department. She is currently the MNA’s deputy promotions manager.

Trish will assume her new role from April 2.

Meanwhile, Catrin Guy has joined the promotions team as events and campaign executive.

Catrin has worked in a similar position for the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.
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News

News Awards 2018: MNA shortlisted for two awards

By on

15th March 2018

- News

The MNA is in the running for two awards at this year’s Newsawards 2018.

The first award we have been shortlisted for is News Website of the Year. MNA Digital entered the new platform Express & Star and Shropshire Star websites.

The second award we have been shortlisted for is Best Use of Advertising Technology. We entered ad booking production system Pulse, which is hosted by sister company PCS.

Ad creation manager Steve Mills said: “To be shortlisted for this award is a great achievement for the team.

“Pulse has enabled the MNA to take on ad creation work from outside the business. This has increased revenue dramatically.

“The software has been created by PCS to enable the MNA to be more efficient in ad creation, meaning outside contracts could be taken on. The team now create 2,500 adverts every week.”

Digital MD Andy Hill said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for our redesigned websites through our award nomination.

“The new sites are powered by the Washington Post’s Arc Publishing, making the MNA the first UK publisher to use this technology. The sites have changed from an open source CMS to a state-of-the-art digital platform.

“Based on user testing, the redesign gives a cleaner look, making it easier for users to navigate around. The defined areas for key content, like local news demonstrate less clutter.”

The winner will be announced at a gala event at the Royal Lancaster London on April 18.
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Press Release

Star Employment Services attains REC audited status

By on

15th March 2018

- Press Release

Star Employment Services is leading the way for local recruitment agencies by achieving a prestigious industry standard. Staff at the West Midlands based agency have attained their gold audited status with the Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC).

Situated in the Express & Star offices in Wolverhampton, Star Employment Services was assessed against the requirements of data protection, training and induction and complaints procedure.
Also considered were the agency’s standing for customer service, diversity, work seeker checks and advertising.

Currently, there are more than 25,000 agencies in the UK and Star Employment are one of only 51 agencies to have the gold audit status.

The audit provides confirmation that the agency is conducting its business ethically, in accordance with the legal requirements and with the REC code.

Star Employment Services operations manager Kylee Russon said: “We are extremely proud to have attained our gold status as it gives us integrity in the work place. It shows us as a flagship agency and we have worked very hard to achieve it.

“We have relaunched our website and this was a move that reflects how we meet certain standards. The site is informative, modern and easy to use. The assessors were also able to see that everything within our agency is legitimate and transparent.

“This is reassuring for clients and demonstrates our work is legal and thorough.”

Star Employment Services specialises in temporary staffing, permanent introductions and contract placements. The team offers a bespoke, timesaving and cost-efficient recruitment process.

The agency is part of the MNA Recruitment offer, under director Lee Smith. Lee said: “We are very proud to have achieved our gold status. This shows that the team at Star Employment has gone the extra mile in levels of demonstrating compliance.

“There are a host of additional checks that have been undertaken in order to achieve the REC Audited mark of distinction, therefore meaning you can be confident you are using an accredited supplier that is accountable to a professional body.”

REC chief executive Kevin Green added: “Congratulations to Star Employment Services for achieving REC Audited status. In doing so they join an elite group of recruitment agencies across the UK that have achieved this high standard.

“This accreditation recognises that we have rigorously audited Star Employment Services and found that it is performing to the highest professional standards and represents best practice in our sector.”

Star Employment Services, which was launched in January 2013, is owned by the Midland News Association, publisher of the Express & Star and Shropshire Star. To find out more information, go to: www.staremploymentservices.co.uk
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News

Campaign to address apprenticeships

By on

13th March 2018

- News

The Ladder for Shropshire is back in action to ensure that as many young people and businesses benefit from apprenticeships this summer.

The Ladder initiative started in London when HRH the Duke of York issued the challenge for a multi-organisation campaign to address youth unemployment. The Evening Standard came forward to lead the media coverage and the initiative was born.

The Ladder for Shropshire, backed by the Shropshire Star, was launched in March 2015. HRH the Duke of York agreed to be patron of the campaign and hailed the Ladder as a “local solution to a national problem”.

It is designed to encourage businesses to create more opportunities for young people, so taking advantage of the talent currently available locally. Since its launch the Ladder initiative has supported hundreds of employers and young people to sign up to apprenticeships.

Following on from a previous successful event the Ladder for Shropshire will be supporting Shropshire Apprenticeships Live, an open event for young people, parents and employers who would like to find out more about apprenticeships and how to become involved.

All the main colleges and training providers will showcase their offer, and in addition this year the universities will be on hand to outline higher and degree apprenticeships.

Employers already involved will be on hand to discuss their opportunities or to offer advice to employers considering getting involved.

Shropshire Apprenticeships Live will take place on March 27 from 2pm to 7pm at Shrewsbury Town Football Club. To find out more telephone 0800 999 8441 or email ladder@apprenticeship-providers.co.uk
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News

Express & Star speeding campaign raised in Parliament

By on

28th February 2018

- News

A Government minister has hailed the Express & Star’s ‘Stop the Speeders’ campaign in Parliament – and promised tougher sentences for killer drivers will be brought in.
 
Rory Stewart made the vow during a debate sparked by Walsall North MP Eddie Hughes today.
 
The E&S campaign urges the Government to bring in tougher penalties for killer drivers.
 
The MoJ want to extend the maximum penalty for death by dangerous driving from 14 years in prison to a life sentence – and Mr Stewart said this ‘needs to happen’.
 
Our campaign was launched on the back of two people being jailed for eight years each for killing victims on the road in the Black Country.
 
Mr Stewart confirmed the Government is ‘working to find a time in the legislative agenda’ to bring in life sentences for killer drivers.
 
He said: “I would like to pay tribute to the honourable member for Walsall North for bringing this debate to the House and also to the Express & Star and local Labour councillor Doug James who have done an enormous amount of work on this issue.
 
“We as a government have committed to increasing the penalty for death by dangerous driving to a life sentence.
 
“We are now working to find a time in the legislative agenda to bring that in – this needs to happen.
 
“The fundamental reason this needs to happen is because families at the moment feel that the system is not just.
 
“They feel it’s not fair to them and their experiences.”
 
During the 30-minute debate in Westminster Hall, Mr Hughes hailed the ‘Stop the Speeders’ campaign and said: “The time has come for change and the Government must now make time available to implement this change.”
 
He also called for a new charge to be created – ‘failing to stop following a fatal or serious injury crash’ – after this was mooted by the road safety charity Brake.
 
The Walsall North MP said it was needed because ‘at present, British law acts as an incentive for the worst law-breaking drivers to flee a crash if they kill someone’.
 
Mr Hughes called on the Government to ‘listen to the thousands of people who have already backed the campaign by the Express & Star and listen to the call of Brake to create a new offence’.
 
He continued: “Let’s work together to ensure that fewer families have to grieve the loss of loved ones – let’s stop the speeders.”
 
Among those killed by dangerous drivers were Georgie Evans, a former pupil of Kinver High School, who died when her car was hit by an Audi A6 driven by Kuba Oles.
 
The Polish immigrant was speeding along Priory Road in Dudley when it happened, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.
 
The 24-year-old, of Beaconview Road, West Bromwich, was later jailed for six years after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
 
Meanwhile 21-year-old Rebecca McManus was waiting at a bus stop when Sukvinder Mannan, who was driving at 101mph, hit and killed her.
 
The fatal crash in Hagley Road West in Bearwood resulted in 34-year-old Mannan, from Halesowen, being jailed for eight years after admitting causing death by dangerous driving.
 
Mr Stewart concluded: “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the MPs who have campaigned tirelessly for this issue, which has been neglected by this House.
 
“That is why we will be bringing this legislation forward and also why I’d like to pay tribute again to [Eddie Hughes] and the Express & Star – and all the other MPs who have campaigned for this.”
 
The two cases which sparked the E&S campaign were of Craig Edwards and Kade Scrivens, jailed for killing behind while the wheel.
 
Edwards, 29, of Cumberland Road in Walsall, was speeding when he killed grandfather John Hickinbottom in Walsall last June. He was over the drink drive limit.
 
On the same day, Scrivens, 24, of Booth Street, Handsworth, was jailed for killing 59-year-old Nicholas Harrison.
 
Scrivens lost control at a roundabout in Darlaston while speeding and hit Mr Harrison on November 22, before fleeing the scene.
 
A petition supporting the campaign can be signed at www.change.org/p/theresa-may-mp-killer-drivers-should-have-stiffer-sentences
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