Anglingtimes.com is to close following a restructure of their UKdigital businesses. In a memo sent to staff they say:
“The current climate is tough for everyone: advertising revenuesare slower, e-commerce adoption is disappointing, business models arestill evolving and straining under pressure.
“We’ve learnt a lot about the digital market and about ourbusiness portfolio over the last 12 months. We continue to believestrongly in our digital business and our ability to succeed. However,given prevailing market conditions and volatility, we will be takingimmediate steps to reduce our absolute level of exposure in theUK.”
The businesses that will close include: anglingtimes.com,golferworld.co.uk, golfermagazine.com, grogro.com,countrywalking.com, trailmag.com, birdwatching.com, seaangler.com,troutandsalmon.com, b. screendaily.com, shots.net, c.motherandbaby.co.uk, d. theclickuk.com and associated sites
FISHINGmagic.com spoke to anglingtimes.com editor Gareth Purnellwho said, “It has come as a big shock to all of us. The business wasdoing well. Traffic and revenue figures were on the up.
“What really shocks me is that EMAP Digital only gave the businessthree months before pulling the plug.”
Around 20 staff will lose their jobs at their UK office and 100more jobs could go worldwide.
It is expected that the cost of losing staff and closing websiteswill cost in the region of £ 10m.
Group chief executive Kevin Hand said, “We are committed to thedigital business but it would be irresponsible to plough on withprojects irrespective. We are taking action in a timely fashion.”
More here:
http://www.mediaguardian.co.uk/newmedia/story/0,7496,464138,00.html
and here:
http://www.mediaguardian.co.uk/newmedia/story/0,7496,464111,00.html
