A publishing boss has delivered an upbeat message about the industry’s prospects, arguing that local content and a High Street presence are key to success.

Tindle Newspapers managing director Scott Wood said that localness and trust will remain at the heart of what it does.

Writing in InPublishing, he said the last 12 months had seen many challenges for the industry – including the “ever expanding footprint” of the tech giants.

But he insisted that the organisation was building a positive future, with both online paywalls and print continuing to play a part.

Wrote Scott, pictured: “The last twelve months have had many challenges ranging from a volatile economy, the uncertainty around the general election and the ever-expanding footprint of the tech giants such as Apple, Google, Meta and the BBC.

“We remain upbeat about local publishing. It will continue to change at pace and look different in the future.

“Technology will be at the forefront in enabling local teams to fulfil our ambitions, whether it be maintaining a print portfolio, paid-for newsletters, metered paywalls, apps or ad-lite websites, our strategy is to deliver outstanding products.

“There is work to do but the group remains focused on local, rich content and reporting only what is important to the communities that we serve. Maintaining a high street presence is part of our plan to ensure this continues to be achieved.

“We are quickly growing our digital audiences and products, whilst at the same time continuing to sustain our resilient print titles, which whilst impacted by the digital revolution, remain valued in the regions we serve.

“Our brands will continue to evolve, but the focus on localness and trust will remain at the heart of what we do.”