MacCommsMacCommsMacCommsMacComms
  • Home
  • About us
  • Our services
  • Who we’ve helped
  • PR tools & training
  • Our blog
  • Contact us
  •  

Meet the journo: an interview with… Ian Leech

    Home Latest news Meet the journo: an interview with… Ian Leech
    NextPrevious

    Meet the journo: an interview with… Ian Leech

    By Ellie MacDonald | Latest news | Comments are Closed | 9 March, 2018 | 0

    Our ‘meet the journo’ feature allows you to meet the faces behind the names and get to know the journalists, editors and key influencers at some of Yorkshire leading publications!

    This month, we spoke to Ian Leech, editor at Yorkshire Business Insider who talked about moving back to Yorkshire, who inspires him the most and what makes a great story!

    Name: Ian Leech

    Publication:  Yorkshire Business Insider

    Your Twitter account:  @ianleechinsider

    How did your career in journalism unfold? 

    I started working life in commercial insurance in Leeds in the late 80s. I had great fun but it was a bit boring. I’d always had an interest in current affairs since I was a young kid – my parents thought it a bit odd. And I’d always liked writing so it seemed a logical choice. After stints on local newspapers in Cheshire and South London I moved to the Daily Mail foreign desk in London where I worked for 14 years. I relocated back to Yorkshire three years ago when I took the Business Editor’s job with Insider. In January 2017 I was appointed Editor. 

    Who inspires you the most? 

    The businesses and business owners that I meet are fabulous. Rarely do I leave an interview not inspired. I have massive respect for those people that genuinely build their business from nothing. We have some great entrepreneurs here in Yorkshire. It is very important to me that Insider represents Yorkshire and the Humber in its entirety and I enjoy traversing the region. Another inspiration for me is that Insider wants to be a voice to raise the economic prospects for the north generally. 

    What kind of stories particularly interest you? 

    Ones on successful businesses. Ones that are showing our region in a great light through innovation, technology, leadership, or commercialism. 

    What’s the best story you’ve ever received? 

    Too many to mention. But a good picture does give a story the wow factor. An example being last week’s image of the proposed INC development in Leeds  by the Parklane Group. That is a jaw dropping building if it comes off.

    What are some of your goals for the future?

    To continue raising Insider’s readership in Yorkshire. The magazine is now read by 36,000, most of whom are business owners and directors. And also to continue our excellent reputation for business events such as the networking breakfasts, awards dinners and roundtables.

    What are some common myths or challenges about a career in journalism?

    It is a very different career to when I started, particularly newspapers. But I absolutely believe there is a need for local news and business news. People need to be informed. Be prepared for hard work , but it is rewarding.

    What do you believe makes a great story?

    One that has people talking about it. It helps if you get it before your rivals. It still has to be well written too though to draw the reader in.

    What kind of publications do you enjoy reading?

    I read the local press and websites as well as national business news. Anything else is a bonus for a dad in a busy job!

    How do you cope with the stress of tight deadlines?

    Put more hours in!

    Outside of work, what do you like to do in your spare time?

    I enjoy keeping fit. My knees aren’t what they were so I’m restricted to swimming now. I enjoy watching my football club Huddersfield Town. And even after three years back here, as a family we are like tourists and love exploring the region.

    Finally, what piece of advice would you give to people wanting to pitch their business to you? 

    Have a business plan very well prepared. Know your aims and what your edge is. And show that you believe in it. Because if you don’t, who else will?

    Special thanks to Ian for getting involved in our ‘Meet the journo’ feature! We’ll be back next month with another interview with a leading Yorkshire journalist. 

     

    No tags.

    Ellie MacDonald

    More posts by Ellie MacDonald

    Related Post

    • Joii Pet Care urges pet parents to ease escalating vet care crisis

      By Ellie MacDonald | Comments are Closed

      24/7 vet app Joii Pet Care, which gives pet owners the chance to affordably and conveniently access veterinary care at home, has reported its busiest ever week for vet consultations.  During the last week ofRead more

    • Postponed event feeds the homeless

      By Ellie MacDonald | Comments are Closed

      Yorkshire Choice Awards event organisers and Leeds United Elland Road donate hundreds of meals to Yorkshire homeless charities after their awards event postponed Last week the directors of the Yorkshire Choice Awards’ (YCAs) event madeRead more

    • Yorkshire manufacturer strengthens team with new recruit

      By Ellie MacDonald | Comments are Closed

      Europe’s only manufacturer of vinyl playing jukeboxes has appointed a new recruit to its manufacturing capabilities. In contrast to the predominately male industry in which it operates, Sound Leisure is keen to encourage further femaleRead more

    • Leeds veterinary tech start-up to present research at AAVSB annual meeting in St Louis

      By Ellie MacDonald | Comments are Closed

      Leeds-based Vet-AI has been invited by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) to present on telemedicine in veterinary care at its annual meeting and conference, later this week. On the 28th September atRead more

    • Leader of top 45 UK law firm to take to the streets

      By Ellie MacDonald | Comments are Closed

      The managing partner of a top UK law firm has been inspired to join his team’s charity work by sleeping out for a local homelessness charity. Leeds-based national law firm Weightmans has committed to ‘SleepingRead more

    NextPrevious

    Blog categories

    • Client news
    • Company news
    • Founders thoughts
    • Industry insights
    • Latest news
    • Meet the journo
    • Positive news
    • Thought piece

    Recent posts

    • New senior appointment for GRM Digital 17th March 2023
    • Nutritional study gets underway for cats diagnosed with cancer 13th February 2023
    • New Years PR campaigns; how you can use to data to gain media coverage 3rd February 2023
    • Employees report increase in suicidal thoughts, reveals new workplace wellbeing report from Champion Health 26th January 2023
    • Milestone 50,000 users registered and £3million investment gained in pet care app’s first nine months 15th December 2022

    Contact us

    0113 869 5242
    info@maccomms.net

    Visit us

    15 Queen Square
    Leeds
    West Yorkshire
    LS2 8AJ

    • Cookies
    • Privacy
    • T&Cs
    • Sitemap
    © 2015 - 2021 Maccomms (Yorkshire) Ltd. All rights reserved. Site by Media29
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Our Services
    • Who We’ve Helped
    • PR tools & training
    • Our Blog
    • Contact Us
    MacComms