The Gazette is delighted to announce that it is under new management, after a takeover by two of its staff was completed at the end of last month.
Editor Sam Hawcroft and sales director Zoe Broom are the new co-owners after completing a buyout from previous publisher Brian Adcock, who owned the Gazette with his wife Judy.
Brian said: “After more than 45 years as director/shareholder of the Gazette I am delighted to announce the sale of the full shareholding in the company to two of its very loyal and talented staff.
“Editor Sam Hawcroft and production/sales operative Zoe Broom now own the business.
“I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement and development of the newspaper over the years and thank all who have supported me and the Gazette.
“It is sad to leave but I can assure all our readers the Gazette is in good hands.
“I wish Sam and Zoe all the very best in challenging times.”
In recent weeks, Sam and Zoe have already begun to bring in a few innovations, such as a digital edition, an online business directory and a website shop selling books by local authors.
The Gazette has also signed up to Ipso (Independent Press Standards Organisation), the leading regulator of publications in the UK.
Sam said she was passionate about local news and felt there was very much still a need for a paper that was at the heart of its community.
She said: “While we want to develop and modernise our online offering, I wholeheartedly believe in print – it’s a trusted format that people still want. Corporate entities have done their best to kill off hyperlocal journalism in the past couple of decades, but we remain proudly independent and now entirely locally run.
“This opportunity is an honour and a privilege – and I want to urge people to get involved.
“Get in touch, send us your news, events, sports reports. We are here for you.
“We’re already bringing in a few new things, so watch this space, and of course we are hugely open to suggestions as to what you want to see in your paper.”
Zoe said: “Having worked at the Gazette for more than 21 years and living in Holderness all my life, I am very passionate about the paper and the area, and I firmly believe that Sam and I can move it forward in a positive way. We both live locally – I have children at the high school – and we care deeply about this area.
“I am very excited about what the future holds for the Gazette and am looking forward to the challenges along the way.”
It comes after the Gazette moved premises last October, leaving its base at Seaside Road in Withernsea for the old Southgates office further up Queen Street.
