Tuesday saw the launch of Big Spark Publishing's latest foray into the local newspaper market, as the Bolton-based business followed up its Cheshire Independent title with sister publication The Bury Independent.
Big Spark's MD Stuart Parker revealed his plans to make in-roads into a market that most other publishers seem to be viewing with increasing trepidation to How-Do last month.
At the time he wouldn't disclose exactly when the Bury newspaper was due to launch, but did confirm that ex-Sport man Dave Beevers was behind the editorial and its circulation would be around the 10,000 mark.
Parker: profit making
However, apparent interest from the marketplace has seen Parker boost the print run to 15,000 and up the pagination from a planned 32 pages to 36.
Furthermore he claims that the maiden issue has succeeded in making "a small profit" in line with his previous assertions that the "low cost base" model for the papers would reap positive, yet initially moderate, returns.
The paper will now run on a four week publishing cycle and carry an editorial/advertising ratio of 50/50.
Parker told How-Do: "The newspaper has been extremely well received, we had a call in to advertise in the next edition two hours after launch from a person who picked it up.
"The first issue has made a small profit and the edit is bang on Bury. Exciting times."
Big Spark is now expected to launch its next local title - The Bolton Independent - before the end of May.
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