A former regional daily editor has joined a business news website to spearhead an expansion of its coverage of his old patch.

Business News Wales has announced it has taken on Kevin Ward as an editorial consultant.

Kevin, pictured, edited the Newport-based South Wales Argus from 2012 to 2016 and now runs his own media and management consultancy.

He has been hired by Business News Wales after it announced plans to launch a new news service specifically for businesses in Newport.

Kevin will have a specific brief to expand and improve the site’s coverage of the business scene in the city.

He said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role with Business News Wales. There is a clear gap in the market for trusted, independent business news delivered online every day.

“I’ll be collating editorial coverage from the Newport area, ensuring Business News Wales showcases the great businesses operating in Wales’ third biggest city.

“It is an exciting time for businesses in Newport, with the regeneration of the city centre, the scrapping of the tolls on the Severn crossings, and the opening of the International Convention Centre Wales all providing significant opportunities.

“I’ll also be interviewing some of the key business figures in Newport as part of some in-depth coverage for the new Newport section on the site.”

Business News Wales Managing Director Mark Powney added: “As we begin to scale Business News Wales into other regions, Kevin will be a fantastic addition to the experienced team we now have in place. His editorial experience and vision, together with his knowledge of the region will be fantastic asset for the business.

“The launch of Business News Newport, together with our Nnew Pembrokeshire channel is just the beginning of our regional expansion.

“Newport has some fantastic opportunities and in the appointment of Kevin we have the perfect editor to increase the digital connectivity of the region.”