Birmingham Post business editor John Duckers has waved a fond farewell to colleagues and readers after nearly two decades at the morning paper.
Originally from Wirral, he started his career back in 1973 with Aberdeen’s Press and Journal where he spent 16 years before moving to the Midlands. In a first-person piece to readers, first published in the Post, John looks both back and forward on his career.

This is probably one of the most difficult articles I have ever written. You see, I am quitting The Birmingham Post, stepping down as business editor, leaving the company’s employment.

All entirely amicable, I would hasten to add. I am departing when I am just about ahead.

I had always said I would stay in journalism until they threw me out but ultimately that didn’t seem a good idea. You can outstay your welcome.

So why am I going?

I’m 57 next month, journalism is a high-pressure job, exacting and long hours. Always has been; always will be. And the older you get, the harder it gets.

Also, the sector is going through a lot of change. Journalism has always developed and the second thing I vowed when I first started in the profession in 1973 was I would always keep up.

At the point you feel it getting away from you it is time to go.

Today, website and internet journalism is as important as the newspaper itself – maybe more important. And, as business editor, it is no good trying to play catch up, you need to be in the vanguard.

And then there is a new computer system which takes the business editor role to a different level, coupled with the Post and Mail’s move later this year to new premises at Fort Dunlop.

All in all it seemed a good moment to hand the baton over to a new generation. What am I going to do?

The company has kindly asked me to continue writing the John Bright column on Saturdays and I would be grateful if all those who feed me with information would keep on doing so.

I am going to work three days a week for Andy Skinner’s ASAP public relations agency. I am doing consultancy work for a university-related establishment and I hope to be writing for a business magazine.

John (2nd left) joins (left to right) ITV’s Gary Newbon and Bob Warman and John
Lamb from Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry at its media lunch

And I will still be around the Birmingham scene – I will need to be to keep writing the Bright column – so please everyone: keep inviting me to the functions.

I depart after 18 years with The Birmingham Post, 16 of them as business editor, and so I can’t say I haven’t had a decent run.

It has been a large part of my life, there have been lots of good times, plenty of laughs, a highlight or two and a few tough spells as there would be in any job.

But overall it has been hugely enjoyable and an absolute privilege to be part of.

And for that, I would most like to thank you, the reader. You have been immensely kind down the years. You have put up with my many eccentricities and I in turn hope I have entertained just a little.

Indeed, if I am proud of anything, it is trying to inject a bit of humour into some of what I have written.

I will be staying in Birmingham, I hope to continue in a small way to make a contribution, and you definitely haven’t heard the last of me.

This is beginning to sound very pompous, but it is time to move on and I am looking forward to re-inventing myself.

I hope you will stick by The Birmingham Post because it needs your support as never before.

Thank you for putting up with me.