ALTHOUGH the business world has seen massive changes in the past 25 years, some things have remained exactly the same – and the importance of getting an important message across to potential clients is just one of them. From the start, Business Times’ stated aim was to provide a platform for local companies to spread the word about what they did, how they did it and how successful they are. And it’s paid off, with companies today, even in this age of digital technology, still taking advantage of being part of a printed newspaper that is delivered directly to thousands of businesspeople a
ALTHOUGH the business world has seen massive changes in the past 25 years, some things have remained exactly the same – and the importance of getting an important message across to potential clients is just one of them. From the start, Business Times’ stated aim was to provide a platform for local companies to spread the word about what they did, how they did it and how successful they are. And it’s paid off, with companies today, even in this age of digital technology, still taking advantage of being part of a printed newspaper that is delivered directly to thousands of businesspeople across Northamptonshire. It was founded 25 years ago by Julie Barnes-Ward and Alan Spooner, the first edition carried the message: “Business Times aims to provide something special for businessmen and women to enjoy and benefit from. No other local publication provides the professional, in-depth coverage of the business world. And we think there’s a place and a market for something new and something innovative.” That certainly turned out to be the case. Today, Business Times is delivered to almost 10,000 businesses across the county, some of whom have been advertisers since the very early days, some who have joined along the way and some who are simply avid readers. Like many companies, Business Times has seen many changes over the past 25 years, particularly in the area of technology. What was originally produced in a home office and sent out to be typeset is now produced entirely in-house using state-of-the-art technology. Most importantly, perhaps, the decision to move to full colour print at the beginning of this year was a major step, but one that has received only positive comments from advertisers and readers. And while the print version of Business Times remains the most popular format, an online version allows readers to browse electronically and access advertisers and contributors via a click-through facility, while the website showcases many of the articles that are featured in the print edition. Digital technology has brought about new opportunities for businesses to feature on the website, the regular e-newsletter and the Property Update newsletter, which goes out monthly. One thing that has always been important at Business Times is the enthusiasm and dedication to providing a quality business newspaper, supported by and, in turn, championing local businesses. Publisher, Julie Barnes-Ward, said: “Many people have been involved with Business Times over the years, in producing the newspaper, contributing to it and supporting it. Indeed, some of the advertisers from the first edition are still clients today, while thousands of other businesses have appeared on these pages, too. “Companies throughout the county are eager to publicise their successes, products and developments and recognise that the most effective way of doing this is through Business Times.” The editorial content of Business Times is put together by a team headed up by editor, Judith Halliday, who said: “The diversity of the business community in Northamptonshire never ceases to amaze me. There is so much going on, and so many good things to report, and it’s a pleasure to deal with positive, enthusiastic businesspeople on a regular basis.” To find out more about how to get involved in Business Times, call the team on 01604 259900 or visit the website www.business-times.co.uk