This time it’s Crain’s, rather than the MEN, that has felt the heat of founder David Parkin’s ambition, as one of the paper’s senior business reporters has moved across to fill the role of deputy editor under Chris Barry.

Joanne Birtwistle is the journalist in question – a former Insider writer who joined the NWDA’s ill-fated Outbox project, prior to signing up with Crain’s in April.

She is, according to Parkin, “a great talent” and will fit perfectly alongside Barry – who, he revealed to How-Do, is now set to join on 27 October.

“It’s really come together for us,” Parkin commented. “I didn’t expect to get this kind of team in place so quickly, so I’m delighted.”

Birtwistle started at TheBusinessDesk on Tuesday and is, in the words of Parkin, “further proof of the investment we’re making” in the new North West portal.

Parkin: shaking things up

Birtwistle’s move marks the latest development in what is fast becoming a compelling spectator sport – watching the players in the Manchester business publishing scene jostling for supremacy.

Already this week How-Do readers have learnt of the launch of City AM and the move by Crain’s to slash its rate-card in response to the deepening economic mire swamping the business world.

Crain’s is currently advertising for a new reporter to fill the position left by Birtwistle, while the MEN is advertising externally to fill its vacant business editor seat.

The GMG-owned paper is stressing that it is looking for “a top flight journalist who is equally at ease with entrepreneurs, chief executives of multi-nationals or small business bosses.”

Applications for the position close on 20 October.

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