An experienced former editor is making a return to the frontline as the new boss of a regional business news website.

Michael Taylor, who was editorial director of Insider Media from 2000 to 2012, has been named as the new North West Editor of TheBusinessDesk.com.

The appointment follows the departure of Shelina Begum after a year and nine months in the role, as reported by HoldtheFrontPage last week.

Michael, pictured, has most recently been in a political communications role for the Labour Party in Greater Manchester and unsuccessfullly stood as Labour candidate for Hazel Grove at the 2015 general election.

Said Michael: “I am very excited to be returning to a front-line editorial role. The media landscape in the regions may have changed over the last decade, but the one constant is a strong appetite for compelling journalism, credible news and lively, engaging events.

“I’ve done a lot of exciting things since I left Insider – written books, hosted diverse events, stood for parliament and done more radio – all of these have broadened my contacts and experiences that hopefully, I can put to good use in this exciting new challenge.

“I’ve always admired the courage of TheBusinessDesk.com to try new things. They broke the mould of digital news when they emerged as a plucky start-up in 2008, and I was impressed at the wealth of ideas and energy to pursue in the future.

“It’s also great to once again be working alongside excellent former colleagues.”

Alex Turner, joint managing director of TheBusinessDesk.com, added: “Michael is a widely-respected and well-connected figure in the North West business community and his appointment is the latest step in strengthening the business to enable us to grow and fulfil our ambitions.

“The team is excited about the new projects and ideas we are developing and we look forward to a very busy 2023 providing North West businesses with the information and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Michael will join TheBusinessDesk.com next week while Shelina Begum will continue to work with the site on some key projects in 2023.

Along with his new role, he will continue to co-host political podcast Northern Spin alongside former regional newspaper editor Chris Maguire, and a weekly music radio show, Music Therapy, on Tameside Radio with fashion writer and influencer Neil Summers.