B2B publishing has quietly become one of the healthier parts of the industry. The trade press that once lived on display and recruitment advertising now earns more of its money from subscriptions, data, events and membership, and private equity has noticed.
The shift meant giving up some old habits. Controlled circulation made sense in print, but open websites gave away what the magazine kept for qualified readers, and the publishers doing best have taken back control of their audiences through registration and paywalls. The Lawyer moved from an advertising-led business to one where paid content brings in over 40 per cent of revenue.
Don’t delude yourself because the barriers to entry in publishing are now non-existent.
Amanda Barnes B2B media
Specialist knowledge is the defence. AI makes generic information close to worthless, so the value lies in proprietary data, tools readers rely on in their daily work and journalism only a specialist could produce, as Computer Weekly's Post Office investigation showed. Print hasn't vanished either. Some publishers now sell it alongside digital at the same price and let readers choose.
Below you'll find some of our best feature articles on B2B and trade media, from subscriptions and data products to events, print, consolidation and specialist journalism, alongside our latest news and industry commentary.
We asked Amanda Barnes, chief executive of Faversham House, what does best practice publishing look like in B2B media? This is what she said…
Rory Brown has enjoyed great success in business media. Having last year sold AgriBriefing and now following new paths in the B2B space, he takes some time out to tell us what he has learned on his journey so far…
Print is certainly not dead, says Chairman Mark Allen. However, you need to offer readers choice and be neutral and agnostic about the outcome.
The Lawyer has been on quite a journey, successfully transitioning from a controlled circulation ad-driven model to a high value enterprise subs one. Andy Baker talks Meg Carter through the key stages and what they’ve learnt along the way.
In the first of our new ‘Digital Horizons’ series, Tom Lake, director of product and technology at Infopro Digital, looks at the tech opportunities and challenges facing his company and the wider B2B sector.
The future of B2B lies in serving your sector in three connected ways: information, intelligence and events.
John Barnes, chief digital officer, William Reed Business Media, tells Ciar Byrne about how the B2B media sector is managing the digital transformation journey.
Computer Weekly deserves much credit for its role in investigating the Horizon IT scandal. Dickon Ross looks at what lessons other B2B journalists can take from their work.
The general expectation is that the buying and selling of media brands is going to increase significantly in 2025. A number of companies have been quietly building up their war-chests during a wobbly 2024, reports Jim Bilton.
If you’re thinking of setting up a membership scheme, be prepared to play the long game because success doesn’t come overnight.
iSUBSCRiBE, the magazine subscription website, has announced that the company’s retail gift cards have launched in major retail chains including Boots, Tesco, The Co-Operative, Debenhams and Wilkinsons.
IPC’s fashion and beauty title, InStyle, has announced the appointment of Sarah Hammond as publisher.
IPC Media has announced that Charlie Meredith, currently managing director of IPC's Central Operations, has been appointed managing director, IPC Advertising, effective December 1.
Egmont, the specialist children’s publisher, has announced “landmark” activity with Microsoft’s Xbox to promote its new Kinect game, Kinectimals.
Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor in Chief of Forbes Media, has introduced the new President and CEO of the company, Mike Perlis, a seasoned media leader with extensive experience in print and digital.
IPC Media has commissioned “MAGs”, a new research study exploring the behaviours, attitudes and aspirations of young men (aged 19-29 with no kids).
Future has revealed the latest release in its premium-collectable Classic Rock Presents “fan pack” series - Jimi Hendrix: The Guitar Hero.
Two Sides has announced details of a national campaign to educate major UK Corporate companies and prevent them from using misleading or factually incorrect environmental claims.
There are just a few days remaining until CTN World 2010 opens its doors and welcomes independent news and convenience retailers from all across the UK.
RBI has taken the decision to cancel Site Equipment Demonstration (SED) 2011, which was due to take place on May 17th-19th 2011.
As part of the review of IPC Media’s niche and specialist titles, the company has announced the sale of Wedding and Wedding Flowers to Hubert Burda Media UK.
Maney Publishing is to publish Twentieth-Century China (TCC), the official journal of the Historical Society for Twentieth-Century China, from 2011.
Bauer Media has suspended the monthly publication of Max Power magazine and its accompanying website.
Bauer Media has hosted a 'Bauer Live' event to illustrate to commercial partners the “reach, influence, engagement and unique cross-platform offer” of the Bauer Media portfolio.
The World in 2011, from the Economist, goes on sale on 18th November, priced £5.50.
