TheBusinessDesk.com has announced that Michael Taylor is to join as its new North West Editor.
The appointment follows the recent news that former editor Shelina Begum is to step down to concentrate on her own media agency, although TheBusinessDesk has now confirmed that Begum will continue to work with the regional business news website on some key projects moving forward into 2023.
Incoming editor Taylor will be a familiar face – and voice – to many in the North West business and media communities. He served as editorial director of Insider Media from 2000 until 2012, hosts the weekly Music Therapy show on Quest Media’s Tameside Radio, alongside fashion writer and influencer Neil Summers, and writes an accompanying column for Quest’s online and digital titles.
He has most recently served in an advisory and communications role for the Labour Party Group on Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, and in September launched the Northern Spin podcast alongside another former Insider editor – political foil and current BusinessCloud executive editor Chris Maguire.
Taylor said: “I am very excited to be returning to a front-line editorial role. The media landscape in the regions may have changed over the last decade, but the one constant is a strong appetite for compelling journalism, credible news and lively, engaging events.”
Alex Turner, joint managing director of TheBusinessDesk.com, said: “Michael is a widely-respected and well-connected figure in the North West business community and his appointment is the latest step in strengthening the business to enable us to grow and fulfill our ambitions. We look forward to a busy 2023 providing North West businesses with the information and opportunities to thrive.”
Taylor added: “I’ve done a lot of exciting things since I left Insider – written books, hosted diverse events, stood for parliament and done more radio. All of these have broadened my contacts and experiences that hopefully, I can put to good use in this new challenge.”
