Member Article

100 reasons to be proud of In & Around Magazine

In & Around Magazine is celebrating its milestone 100th issue this month.

The magazine, which has the largest circulation of a monthly free publication in County Durham, was set up in April 2005 by father and son team John and Andrew Knowles.

As co-directors of print and design company JAK Publications John and Andrew had a vision to connect their local community.

They started by designing and printing just 5000 copies from an office in a bedroom and hand-delivered them around Chester-le-Street.

Eight years on, In & Around is now distributed to 45,000 homes and 1,100 shops and offices in Derwentside, Durham and Chester-le-Street. It includes editorial and adverts for local businesses, community event listings, competitions and games.

John said: “We’re very proud to have reached our 100th issue, and I would like to thank all of our readers and advertisers for their support over nearly a decade.

“Having been North East born and bred, both Andrew and I are passionate about supporting businesses in this region, and we started In & Around because we saw a gap in the market for a magazine that promoted local businesses for local people.

“Many of the businesses that advertise with us are big brands, and we often hear success stories. One oven cleaning business generates over 80% of its business from advertising within In & Around.”

Going forward, the three local versions of In & Around – Chester-le-Street, Durham and Derwentside – will be consolidated into one.

John said: “We’re always looking for ways to improve and develop the magazine, and we hope that this change will make In & Around bigger, better and even more beneficial for the local community.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Souter PR Newcastle .