Company news
Latest news from Mortons Media Group.
MORTONS ACQUIRE CLASSIC AMERICAN MAGAZINE
12 November 2009
Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.
Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.
Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’
Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.
THE MUST-HAVE BUTTON BOOK… JUST JENSON!
02 November 2009
For motorsport fans everywhere and fresh from his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, the story that everyone has been waiting for is finally here in a quality ‘bookazine’ format… Just Jenson.
Charting Jenson Button’s life story from the tough and unforgiving circuits of the karting world to his defining moment this season when he took the crown as Formula 1 World Champion, Just Jenson is the perfect companion to the motor sport racing year.
This insightful and appropriate tribute to Jenson Button is brought to you by renowned magazine publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd. Written by David Addison, motorsport journalist and commentator with Bob Constanduros, F1 fanatic and auto correspondent; they have brought a wealth of knowledge to the title.
Jenson’s career has had many highs and lows, having been fighting for the F1 championship for 10 years, but through it all, and in particular through the adversity, sheer graft has seen fortune favour, particularly in 2009. His decision to stick with his former BAR Honda Team principal Ross Brawn in a new team paid off, wrapping up the title with even a race to spare. Just Jenson encapsulates all of this magic and much more within its 132 pages.
Editor, David Addison said: “Jenson Button’s season has been quite extraordinary after a disappointing few. To be staring the end of his career in the face last December to being World Champion in less than 11 months is unprecedented in Formula 1 and is a story worth telling. The Button tale is one of successes and disappointments, but culminates with biggest high of them all, all of which are featured within this bookazine.”
For every motorsport fan, this will be the must-have read of the year and will be on sale at WHSmith across the country from 24 November priced £6.99 or can be brought direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd on 01507 529529 and by visiting www.mortonsbooks.co.uk.
MORTONS MOTORCYCLE DIVISION STEPS UP A GEAR WITH GROUP EDITOR
28 August 2009
Mortons Media Group have appointed Steve Rose as Group Editor of their motorcycling magazines.
Steve, who leaves the editorship of Bike to take up this exciting new appointment, comes with a wealth of experience, having previously edited Ride and Parker’s Car Guide as well as spells on Performance Bike and Classic Bike.
Mortons Managing Director Brian Hill commented, ‘We are delighted to have Steve on board to bring not only his magazine crafting skills, but also his true biking enthusiasm to our wide portfolio which covers virtually every aspect of two wheeled transport.’ Mortons, the independent publishers based in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, publishes fourteen motorcycling magazines, and their on-line counterparts, including the market leading Old Bike Mart, Classic Bike Guide, Scootering and the free distribution newspaper, Motor Cycle Monthly.
NEW-LOOK HERITAGE COMMERCIALS MAGAZINE TO HIT THE NEWS STAND!
10 August 2009
Long established Heritage Commercials Magazine is changing from the October 2009 issue, in a move which is sure to keep current readers happy while also appealing to many new ones.
Heritage Commercials is Britain’s brightest full-colour magazine for the classic and vintage commercial vehicle enthusiast. The street scenes of yesteryear are remembered through stunning archive photography, mixed with glorious colour photo features of today's restored lorries, light vans, buses and coaches.
Not only will the magazine now have a distinctive new look, including a refresh of the masthead, the magazine will also be incorporating some fantastic new features, which will attract younger enthusiasts as well as the magazine’s traditional readership.
Extra technical features will be at the core of these changes, while the new look will allow such content to be covered in a much cleaner format, being of interest to vehicle restorers as well as ‘armchair enthusiasts’.
Alongside a greater technical element to the magazine, will be features on a few newer vehicles, allowing a more diverse read while remaining rich in historical content.
Heritage Commercials is available on subscription from Mortons Media Group telephone 01507 529529 or visit www.classicmagazines.co.uk
New look for Classic Racer
7 August 2009
The World’s number one nostalgia fix for enthusiasts of motorcycle racing, Classic Racer, has been given a fresh new look, with a revised cover masthead combined with a clean, innovative, design for the feature pages.
Classic Racer editor Malc Wheeler said of the new design, “We have already moved Classic Racer’s timeline on and in so doing we have attracted new readers who followed the sport in the late seventies and eighties, so it seemed only right we should move the design along too.
The new, cleaner design makes the text easier to read and allows us to make better use of the stunning images from our huge archive. But long term readers need not worry; this is a tune up, not a complete engine rebuild. All of our regular features continue, written by the best writers in the business and illustrated by the finest collection of photographs in the world.”
Classic Racer is available on subscription from Mortons Media Group telephone 01507 529529 or visit www.classicmagazines.co.uk
CLASSICS ARE COVERED BY CAROLE NASH!
8 April 2009
Insurance specialist Carole Nash has returned as sole sponsor of all the Classic Bike Show team’s events, including the International Classic MotorCycle Show, the Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show and the Classic Motorcyle Mechanics Show in a three-year deal that has delighted both organisers and Carole Nash alike.
Rebecca Donohue, head of marketing at Carole Nash said on signing the new deal: “The roots of our business lie firmly within the classic bike community and we remain as passionate as ever about supporting enthusiasts at the grassroots. Therefore we are naturally delighted that Carole Nash is once again working in partnership with Mortons to ensure that the 2009 calendar, and beyond, is packed with great classic events showcasing great bikes, great personalities and providing great entertainment.”
All events will now carry the Carole Nash name within the title, the first being the 29th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show held at Stafford County Showground over the weekend of the 25-26 April 2009.
Further Information
The 29th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show:
Ticket Prices
Adults: £9.50 / OAPS: £8 / Children under 15: £3.50
Opening Times:
Saturday 25 April 9am to 6pm / Sunday 26 April 9am to 5pm
For more information please contact:
Email: info@classicbikeshows.com - Web: www.classicbikeshows.com
PLOUGH IN TO THE NEW LOOK TRACTOR MAGAZINE!
31 March 2009
Mortons Media Group, the independent publishing people, have announced an exciting new era for their well established title, Tractor, launching a complete new look and even more specially selected features from the May issue, due on sale 14 April 2009.
Traditionally Tractor has focused on vintage tractors and their associated implements, coupled with fond reminiscences about Britain’s rich farming heritage. Building on these ever popular topics, now avid readers can expect even more from their new and improved monthly read, with the re-vamp extending the mix to give greater focus to modern day machinery and all aspects of farming heritage.
The modernised 140-page bumper Tractor also promises improved navigation, making it even easier for enthusiasts to find that essential piece of kit, when delving into the extended classifieds section. To complement this, the stylish new layout will showcase readers’ magnificent restorations to their full advantage, enhanced by stunning, vibrant photography.
Publisher, Andrew Savage said: “We wanted the new-look Tractor to be a true celebration of our farming heritage, while moving with the changing times to create a current, valuable source of information for all vintage and modern enthusiasts alike. We’re thrilled with the results and hope readers will agree that the facelift and additional features sit perfectly with traditional tones that have made the magazine such a success to date.Make sure you don’t miss out on the new look Tractor, priced at only £3.50 from all good newsagents, or direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd. Tel: 01507 529529 or visit: www.classicmagazines.co.uk to order today.
Newark Tractor Show & Mortons Media continue successful partnership
9 January 2009
Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural Society (N&NAS), the organiser of the Newark Vintage Tractor and Heritage Show, is delighted to announce a five-year agreement with media partner, Mortons Media Group Ltd. The agreement, which will see financial sponsorship and other support from Mortons from 2009 until 2013, has been concluded in a continuing partnership that has seen the show grow year on year.
N&NAS chief executive Adrian Johnston commented: “The help we have received from Mortons has been fundamental to the show’s success. It has allowed us to build the event from its inauguration to become the leading tractor show in this country in just six years.
“This success is reflected in increased exhibits, additional sponsorship, a host of donated trophies and visitor numbers reaching 12,000 over the two days of this year’s show. I am delighted that Mortons has agreed to a further five years of support as media partner.”
Mortons’ marketing manager, Charlotte Park, added: “We are very pleased to renew our association with the Newark Vintage Tractor Show. Each year the organisers bring new elements to the event, with exhibitors and visitors coming from far and wide. The whole concept echoes the traditions of farming, agriculture and rural life in line with many of Mortons’ titles, making it an ideal partner for us.”
2008
HEARTBEAT… THE STORY BEHIND THE SERIES
11 September 2008
The ITV series of Heartbeat is inspired by the novels of Nicholas Rhea, which have famously become known as the ‘Constable books’. After 17 series and a 16-year run, finally, the thousands of loyal fans of the famous Yorkshire-based drama will now have a book that encompasses it all, the bikes, the music and the fantastic storylines – for Nicholas is now telling another tale, ‘Heartbeat… The Story Behind the Series’.
This long-awaited tribute does not only chart the success of this now essential Sunday night viewing programme, but delves deep behind the scenes, both in the studio and on location, meeting the people and places which have contributed to the series’ sensational popularity.
Illustrated with photographs taken on set over the many years and charting the abundance of colourful characters, including scores of British television’s best known faces, The Heartbeat Story will be the must-have viewing companion for every Heartbeat fan.