Former Trinity Mirror man Russell Borthwick has launched his own media, marketing and communications company in Sunderland.

Russell, (left), held several circulation and marketing roles within Trinity Mirror, most recently as regional marketing and business development director for its north east businesses Newcastle Chronicle & Journal Ltd and Gazette Media Company.

He was also previously head of marketing development at the group's head office in Chester.

And after 16 years working in the regional press, he is hoping to put that experience to good use in his new role as managing director of new firm Press Ahead, which will see him working with regional publishing groups and industry suppliers.

He said he had decided to set up his own business after a "moment of madness".

Russell said: "I've got an attachment to the north east, but in the corporate world you are expected to move around. I wanted to put down roots and one way of guaranteeing this was to start my own business.

"I can work anywhere in the country but my home and my office is in the north east."

In his new role Russell will train and develop senior managers in publishing, helping to identify best practice in marketing-related areas with the aim of boosting profits and circulation, and he is already working on behalf of two regional publishing companies on strategic development projects.

In addition to working with the regional press Russell is also working with suppliers to the sector to help them make sure that what they are offering is what the industry is looking for.

He also hopes to work with other north east companies, offering general marketing and communications advice, and says that - so far - he is enjoying being his own boss.

He said: "It's not as lonely as I thought. I had been very much a team player but have found it has cleared the necessary time to think, research and work on ideas.

"I'm enjoying it but it is a big learning curve. Lots of senior executives think they know about running a business but they don't. Things like VAT and tax or getting a sign put up in your office - the buck stops with you and if you don't sort it out no one will, there is no support network.

"However I'm not planning on being a one-man band forever. Press Ahead is a limited company and hopefully it will grow."