New award celebrates the art of social media
Express editor Gareth Tidman tells us why the paper is backing North East Cheshire Business awards
●● Your name? Gareth Tidman. I am the editor of the Macclesfield Express and the Wilmslow Express.
I was delighted to be appointed editor of these two titles last year as I began my career on the Wilmslow Express 15 years ago before moving on to become the crime reporter on the Macclesfield Express. I have worked on a number of regional titles across the north of England and have been editor of four other Trinity Mirror titles.
I obtained the National Council for the Training of Journalists’ National Certificate of Education in 2001, five years after graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. ●● Which award are you sponsoring? The Excellence in Social Media award. ●● Why have you got involved with the business awards?
We have been involved as a sponsor and media partner with the business awards since they were launched in 2010. We realise how important it is to recognise the thriving business sector we have here in North East Cheshire and the area’s fantastic spirit of innovation and entrepreneurialism. We are known across the UK for our dynamic and successful businesses which make our area such a great place to live and create opportunities for all. ●● Why did you choose to sponsor that award?
Things are moving at pace in the news industry and our digital platforms are now as important to us as our print titles. Social media gives us opportuni- ties to engage with our communities in completely new ways and to draw new audiences around our products.
Social media will have a key role to play in making sure the Macclesfield Express and Wilmslow Express as well as our websitescontinue to be successful in the future. ●● WHY is East Cheshire such a great place to do business? The drive, enthusiasm and confidence shown by business leaders here are an example to other areas. We have the advantage of the thriving Manchester business hub on our doorstep and unbeatable transport links, but it is the entrepreneurial spirit here that sets us apart. ●● WHAT is your best piece of business advice?
Never forget that your customers are the most important people to any business. Look after them, don’t take them for granted and make sure that you give them a good service and you may well end up being around for 203 years like the Macc Express.