Johnston Press enjoys strong half year

Johnston Press has said that the regional advertising market has been stronger in the second half of the year than predicted, although chief executive Tim Bowdler stopped short of declaring a full-blown recovery.

In a trading update, Britains fourth largest regional publisher said that like-for-like advertising revenue had grown at a rate of 4.9% for the five months to 30 November compared to the start of the year.

Bowdler said: We have seen a particularly strong growth in October and November of 6% and 8% respectively, but we are not saying that its indicative of any real change in economic conditions.

He also revealed that Johnston Press was considering a number of sites in Sheffield for its new print centre, which will house a 196pp full-colour press (PrintWeek, 4 September).
We have a shortlist and are in negotiations, but have not yet finalised anything, said Bowdler.

Johnston Press has continued to invest heavily in its print capacity over recent weeks with upgrades to its Leeds and Sunderland plants.