          |
About UsLakes & Cumbria Today was founded in 2000 by Stuart Bell and Alistair Thompson who both have over 30 years of experience in local newspapers and magazines. Stuart has also worked within the commercial radio business in Cumbria and the North West. The first Issue which was titled 'Lake District Today' was published in April 2000. This Spring Issue, a 64 page edition, which, despite experiencing some teething problems proved to be popular with both visitors and advertisers. The Summer issue provided the opportunity to rectify the problems and add some new content and design. The plans were to produce an Autumn edition to be followed by a Winter edition but it was decided to combine them into one edition to cover both seasons. From that point two editions have been published each year. Realising at an early stage that the scope of the publication needed to be broadened to cover the whole of the county it was decided to change the name to 'Lakes & Cumbria Today'. The second year in business was the year of 'Foot and Mouth' and the worst was feared. However, adapting to the situation the Summer 2001 (No.4) became a towns & villages special, showing visitors the many places of interest which weren't out of bounds. This edition and the following one proved to be a success and copies sales and advertising continued to increase. Over the last two years good progress with marketing the publication. The publication is attracting not just visitors but a growing number of readers living in the area who find it interesting and useful. A lot of encouragement has come from readers and advertisers who have offered a variety of ideas to help develop its content, many of which have been taken on board. The number of outlets which sell copies within Cumbria has also increased and with the use of wholesalers in the North of England more and more outlets further afield have been developed. As the Lakes District has such a wide appeal to people living in the Midlands and South of England more wholesalers who are able to provide coverage in these areas are coming on board. This website provides an opportunity to introduce new readers to Lakes & Cumbria Today by giving some examples of content and design, plus it's another way to attract readers comments about how we do things, what they like and don't like. As an independent publishing company we take a pride in producing a guide which readers truly value. Not being part of a larger company or dictated to by other organizations provides the opportunity to write in our own free and easy style and express opinions and pass comment about matters which we feel may be of interest to readers. Finally, we know only too well that our future success relies on continuing to understand and relate to our customers needs and being able to provide them with a first class service. If you have any views or comments you think we might find useful please send us an e-mail. Lakes & Cumbria Today |
       
|
