An award-winning former regional press reporter who set up an online transport magazine two years ago is broadening its scope in a bid to capitalise on a rival’s demise.

Business news magazine Crains Manchester Business closed last week after three years of publication.

Now former Manchester Evening News transport correspondent Alan Salter is folding his Transport Matters website into a new online and monthly print publication, Manchester Matters.

He said it would aim to fill the gap left by Crains, as well as continuing to cover issues of public and private transport and the effect of local politics on business.

The 32-page publication will launch in July through a dedicated website, www.manchestermatters.co.uk, partnered with the ‘Myebook’ publishing platform which offers on screen page-turning and audio and video.

Said Alan: “Greater Manchester business is facing its most exciting time at the moment but I would wager that there are a lot of firms out there who are just not aware of the months of negotiations which have been going on with the government over the city region.

“I think it is important to monitor those developments and the arrival of Myebook on the scene makes it possible to produce a quality product without incurring the crippling costs of printing and distribution.

“Manchester Matters will continue to report in detail on the transport scene but will broaden its scope. But above all, it will be a good read. We will start off monthly to gauge the demand but I hope soon to make it more frequent.”