It’s been a whirlwind few months since our last edition launched. Restrictions are lifting and we’re slowly starting to get back to normal, big events are taking place again and it feels like there is more positivity, vibrancy and hustle and bustle about the world again.
For those who aren’t aware, I have an exciting dual-role in that I am proudly the Commercial Editor of Portfolio North, overseeing the growth and strategy of the magazine, sales and editorial with support from content executive Sophie, the extremely talented design specialist Paul Macdonald, The Social Co. supporting with social media and an outstanding website team. My other role is Head of Marketing for Bradley Hall Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents, which includes all things print media and PR, content, social media strategy, website strategy, communications strategy, digital transformation, business development and everything in between.
Our organic reach includes a readership of 35,000 per issue, as well as tens of thousands of social media followers across both Portfolio North and Bradley Hall platforms, (we recently reached a quarter-of-a million people with a single organic post), as well as over 40,000 visits a month to the Bradley Hall website.
This experience and knowledge built through working both client-side and in publishing allows me to truly understand the requirements of our partners and advertisers and what they can achieve from their coverage in Portfolio. Not only do we provide specialist editorial writing and journalism, but also an in depth understanding of the full potential of a good content, how it translates both in print and online and how it supports business strategy. It’s not enough now for content to simply tell a story, it should support SEO purposes, provide authentic value to its readers, speak in the corporate or brand ‘voice’ and also provide a variety of content opportunities for socials. Sometimes it can be used as a lead magnet, sometimes as a brand building exercise. This is what I want to achieve for my clients – influential and fully comprehensive, cost and time efficient content.
We’ve also been working incredibly hard behind the scenes over the last few months, working with The Social Co. in developing our social media presence while also working with the best website experts to create a brand-new standalone website for what is officially now Portfolio North. I am also excited to launch our latest video advertising campaign at STACK Seaburn and Newcastle and on the in-car media screens for Blueline Taxis– putting us in front of approximately 320,000 people every week.
Whilst we continue to be a quality print-led publication, we also recognise the importance for an online and digital presence for both the profile of the magazine and, importantly, the benefits for our contributors and advertisers. There are so many digital marketing opportunities – and both Bradley Hall and Portfolio are each in the process of their own exciting and significant digital and technological evolutions. One of my priorities is ensuring that our reader experience is consistently improving, that we are welcoming more readers and website visits and ultimately supporting our partners and advertisers to the highest standard.
In other news, Portfolio’s expansion to Leeds and Manchester has developed following the launch of the Bradley Hall offices within these major cities. Our teams and offerings are growing exponentially as demand for our services in the area grow, which has allowed me to meet some fantastic businesses in these cities over the past few months.
In addition, my team and I are also delighted to be supporting our clients in their own PR and Marketing, creating online and print content for Magna Homes and Riverview Business Centre amongst others. We enjoy using our own experience and expertise to support both Bradley Hall and Portfolio clients to build their own profiles and presence, allowing us to provide a full service approach.
With restrictions now lifting, we are now looking forward to hosting Bradley Hall’s sold out big annual festive fundraiser which, since its launch a few years ago, has raised over £70,000 for local charities including Marie Curie, Daft as A Brush and Heel and Toe Children’s Charity. As well as supporting a range of local charities, we are of course looking forward to spending time with 400 of our clients, partner organisations and colleagues from across our branch network. Our last fundraiser raised over £25,000 and we look to double that this year with support from our sponsors. Portfolio advertiser and the Headline Sponsor of our fundraiser, West Nautical, has kindly donated a two night stay worth £15,000 on a superyacht in the South of France, which will provide the headline auction prize of the evening.
Last but certainly not least, I am delighted to include Sunderland City Council’s projects once again, as well as Inn Collection Group, The Social Co., Performance 28, Karpet Mills, The Muddler, West Nautical, Glass & Mirror Solutions, Consult North, Belvedere Residential & Commercial Services, AstonWalker Developments, Magna Homes and more. Following our recent and significant growth and activity, I am delighted to bring you all the next generation of Portfolio Magazine, Portfolio North. Thank you to all of our partners, advertisers and readers for your continued support. I hope you all enjoy reading.
Cassie Moyse
Commercial Editor
Portfolio Magazine
0191 232 8080