160-year-old newspaper pleads for buyer as administrators called in

A 160-year-old newspaper could disappear after its parent company was placed into administration.

George Boyden & Son, which publishes the Stratford Herald, has called in administrators from Elwell Watchorn & Saxton in Nottingham to look after the day-to-day running of the company. The company also published the Herald’s sister paper, Midweek and a lifestyle magazine called Focus.

The move is thought to be down to a combination of factors, including the collapse of advertising revenue because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nigel Price and Joe Sadler have been named as joint administrators. In Friday’s issue of the Herald, Price issued a plea for a buyer to come forward.

He said: ““It is extremely sad to see this highly respected newspaper, which has provided a valuable service to the local community for 160 years, facing such a threat to its existence.

“We believe that its publications can represent a financially viable venture for a new owner and invite any parties who are interested to discuss the opportunity with us to contact us by email at stourbridge@ewsllp.co.uk.”

Editor Richard Howarth said: “We have continued to produce the Herald through a period when we have faced the same difficulties as so many other businesses in the area.

“We know people have been incredibly appreciative of how we have helped to keep our readers connected and will no doubt join us in hoping this step, though a shock to all involved, will see an outcome that ensures the Herald continues to be at the heart of the community for many years to come.”

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close