New Forest Business News is celebrating after surpassing initial website traffic targets for its launch in July 2022.
The news website saw 2,200 viewers perusing the business stories for the area in August – quadruple the initial target.
Kerri Watt, Editor and Founder of New Forest Business News, said: “I hoped the idea for a local business news website would be received well but I am still shocked every time I see the stats that thousands of eyeballs have seen my work.”
Watt had been sitting on the idea for a local business news website for over a year when she added freelance journalism into her consultancy business, formerly providing only PR services.
“As any business owner knows, when you put your new idea out there, it’s a really vulnerable position to be in. You just hope that the response will be positive and people enjoy what you do and want to know more.
“We kicked off with a summer of big events, reporting live from New Forest and Hampshire County Show and the Waterside Festival which were so fun to be a part of.”
“As any business owner knows, when you put your new idea out there, it’s a really vulnerable position to be in!”
Kerri L Watt, Editor, New Forest Business News
Training opportunities are important to the Editor and the news site will take on school work experience and trainee journalists looking for writing, researching, social media and web editing experience.
Watt continues: “I want to create opportunities that weren’t there for me when I wanted to explore working with and in the media. I’ve worked with apprentices and trainees in my PR business and really enjoy helping someone on their career path.”
As a previous primary school Governor and secondary school mentor, Watt will continue to support those starting in the industry or looking to gain work experience.
“I’m excited for the future of the news website. I also have big plans to cover key issues for the area including the cost of living crisis, the wheelie bins and the Waterside railway line.” – Watt adds.
In the two months since launching, the highest viewed stories, as of publishing date, on the website are;
- Student celebrates GCSE results after running business alongside school
- Knitting shop Fully Woolly launches in Hythe
- New recruitment challenges after ‘the great resignation’
New Forest Business News is a news website sharing business stories and events from the New Forest, Hampshire area.
To share your business news or enquire about sponsorship opportunities, email editor@newforestbusinessnews.co.uk or go to: www.newforestbusinessnews.co.uk/contact.
Image: New Forest Business News Editor, Kerri L Watt.
