Natmags Closes Contract Publishing Arm After Two Years

The National Magazine Company has announced plans to close its contract publishing division after just two years, due to what is claims are insufficient margins.

The division was launched November 2001 by joint directors Julian Downing and Carey Sedgwick, who were brought in from John Brown Citrus to head the operation, which offers customer magazines and distribution opportunities via Natmags’ news-stand magazine portfolio (see Natmag Launches Contract Publishers).

The business will cease in mid-May once current commitments have been met. It is understood that the company is currently trying to redeploy all staff in other jobs inside the organisation.

Commenting on the closure, Duncan Edwards, managing director of the National Magazine Company, said: “We have had just over two years in the contract publishing business and have concluded that it is not for us. The margins in the contract publishing business are not sufficient to justify further investment. We have taken the decision to use our talent, ideas and resources in other ways going forward.”

Since its launch NatMags’ contract publishing division has created magazines for clients including Waitrose, Moss Bros, Samsung, Berkeley Homes and Golf International. It also recently launched a new magazine for frequent flyers called Emporium (see Natmags Contract Publishing Secures BAA Deal).

Last October Terry Mansfield, the former managing director of The National Magazine Company, announced his intention to step down as president and chief executive after 34 years at the publisher (see Mansfield Steps Down From Natmags After 34 Years).

National Magazine Company: 0207 439 5000 www.natmags.co.uk

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