The managing director of a family-owned regional newspaper business recently taken over by a larger group has announced his redundancy.

The Midland News Association, publishers of the Express& Star and Shropshire Star, was sold to National World in September in a deal believed to be worth £11m.

Now MNA managing director Matt Ross has revealed he has been made redundant, with more job cuts expected to follow.

Posting on LinkedIn, Matt made clear he accepted the new owners’ decision and wished his former colleagues well.

He wrote: “Following National World’s acquisition of Midland News Association the management structure has necessarily and understandably changed to one that no longer requires a local MD and hence my role becomes redundant.

“My time at the Midland News Association has been some of the most fulfilling of my career. Its been an absolute priviledge to work with so many talented and committed team members in addition to meeting with so many diverse customers and suppliers.

“My first hand experience of initiatives such as the Express & Star Business Awards and the Local Media Solutions marketing and advertising initiative clearly illustrated how important the Express & Star and Shropshire Star are to the local community.

“The warmth for these hero brands was a sight to behold and founded upon the exceptional editorial content that is curated daily. I was both fortunate and humbled to be part of this legacy that spans nearly 150 years.

“The business continues to evolve and whereas the newspapers, magazines and niche publications continue to form an essential part of the portfolio, I look forward, albeit from afar, to witnessing even greater success in the digital arena, be it with respect to paid-for editorial content or the delivery of gold standard advertising and marketing campaigns.

“Wishing former colleagues and National World plc every possible success in securing a sustainable future for these iconic community assets.”

Matt was finance director of regional publisher Local World from 2013-16 and then of Trinity Mirror Regionals following its takeover.  He joined the Claverley Group, which formerly owned MNA Media, in 2019 as MD of the Jersey Evening Post.

HTFP understands that further job losses in circulation and advertising are imminent, but no editorial job losses have so far been announced.