Place North West toasts record year with promotions and recruits

Deputy editor Jessica Middleton-Pugh has been promoted to editor of Place North West, taking over from founder Paul Unger who will become publisher to lead the company into a new growth phase.

Middleton-Pugh joined Place North West as a reporter four years ago and became deputy editor at the end of 2015. Unger said: “Jessica’s pride and dedication to the publication mean she will do a great job continuing Place’s work, providing vital information for the region’s property community.”

In the newly created role of publisher, Unger will develop new products and oversee the identity, profile and direction of the publication.

Schouten joined from Construction News

Unger added: “This has been a record year in terms of readership, attendees and client marketing activity. Increasing capacity at all levels of the company is essential to ensure our growth is managed properly.”

The promotions follow the appointment of Charlie Schouten as senior reporter, working alongside Middleton-Pugh and Neil Tague in the reporting team. Schouten joined in October from Construction News, where he was Northern correspondent based in Manchester. He has already made a significant impression on the daily output.

The Place team is completed by production manager, Kirsty Butcher, and commercial director, Dino Moutsopoulos. A further hire is due to be announced in the New Year.

Middleton-Pugh said: “I’m extremely proud to become editor of Place North West, and am looking forward to being part of the evolution of the business, delivering a high-quality variety of news and events to our expanding audience, within such a talented team.”