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Comeback for former regional daily editor in business magazine role

SONY DSCA former daily editor who stepped down five years ago to set up his own media consultancy is to take on a new role running a regional business magazine.

Paul Robertson, pictured, left Newcastle daily the Chronicle in 2011 after 22 years with its parent company Trinity Mirror.

Now he is taking over as editor of the North East and Cumbria edition of the leading business magazine, BQ.

He replaces a former Trinity Mirror colleague Brian Nicholls, who left the Chronicle’s sister title The Journal to become BQ’s launch editor in 2008.

Said Brian: “Building BQ from scratch has been immensely satisfying. Both in manufacturing and services, North East and Cumbrian business folk in these times are proving highly innovative and entrepreneurial – despite considerable challenges. They deserve the widest possible recognition.

“So I’m particularly delighted Paul, an outstanding North East journalist already well respected in the business community, will take BQ onward.”

Paul said: “Brian is an incredibly hard act to follow. He is a highly regarded, highly experienced business journalist and no doubt will continue to write for the magazine.

“I am passionate about the North East and believe print still has a strong future, targeting communities of interest, complementing digital publishing and in the case of BQ a growing portfolio of events.”

BQ – which originally stood for Business Quarterly – started in the North East but editions have since been launched in Scotland, the West Midlands, Yorkshire and London, with further expansion planned

Its managing director Bryan Hoare said: “Brian’s contribution to BQ’s success has been overwhelming. He has been a guiding light and maintained an exceptional track record in uncovering and featuring many of the North East’s leading entrepreneurs and other outstanding figures in business. It now also gives me pleasure to welcome Paul who, I know, will do BQ proud in continuing to grow the BQ brand across the North.”

After leaving the Chronicle, Paul 50, set up his own media business doing training, consultancy and some PR. He also edits Northern Golfer magazine

He takes up the editorship today and will continue running Robertson Media alongside his new role.