Experienced journalist and editor Rob Lawson is the latest to join the Wear Business team, taking on the role of consultant editor for the Sunderland-based business publication.
The move comes less than a month after the appointment of experienced sales professional Richard Jobling as Wear Business’s sales manager.
Rob spent ten years as editor of Sunderland Echo from 2002 to 2012 and was previously editor of the Shields Gazette from 1997 to 2002.
He was also editorial director of North East Press, which ran both newspapers, as well as the Hartlepool Mail and a range of Northumberland weeklies.
More recently, Rob – who is now a successful freelance PR consultant – served two full terms as chair of governors for Education Partnership North East (EPNE), which was formed under his stewardship after Sunderland College’s mergers with Hartlepool Sixth Form College in 2017 and Northumberland College in 2019.
“I’m excited to have joined the Wear Business team and am really looking forward to getting started,” said Rob, who was awarded the OBE in the Queen’s New Year 2021 Honours List for his services to education.
“It’s a magazine I’ve admired since it was launched and its so important for Sunderland and Durham to have their own dedicated platform for business-related news
“The team is both talented and ambitious and together I want Wear Business to reach its true potential.”
Wear Business sales manager Richard Jobling, who’s operating from the publication’s Sunderland base at the North East Business and Innovation Centre (BIC), added: “We’re delighted with the appointment of Rob, who brings with him a wealth of journalism experience and knowhow.
“To have someone of Rob’s calibre working alongside me in strengthening Wear Business’s reputation as the voice of business in the Wear region will be a major boost.”
Wear Business is published by Resolution Media and Publishing, the team behind the successful Tees Business publication.
Resolution non-executive director Bob Cuffe MBE, former regional managing director of Reach plc, added: “It’s brilliant news for Wear Business to secure the expertise of Rob Lawson.
“Rob is a fantastic ambassador for Wearside – he’s passionate about the area and is incredibly well connected. His background in media and education is extraordinary.
“Rob will be a key influence on Wear Business making sure it’s promoting the businesses and leaders that are making a difference to the area.
“We’re very much looking forward to working together with Rob on the magazine and associated events.”
Former Wear Business editor Graeme Anderson is continuing to work with the publication as chief writer.
Wear Business are now working on the first issue of 2022.
Thousands of copies of Wear Business will be mailed and delivered to businesses across the Sunderland and County Durham areas from late February.
To book space, call Richard Jobling on 0191 563 4208, or email richard@wear.business
