Business coverage at Archant Norfolk is entering a new era as as Ben Woods takes the helm as business editor following a promotion.

The award-winning journalist will oversee the day-to-day running of the business team and business related news and coverage across all platforms including the Eastern Daily Press in print, online and social media.

The 27-year-old UEA graduate first joined Archant as a trainee in January 2011 after completing his training at Press Association in Newcastle.

He spent 18 months working at the EDP offices in Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft, before moving back to Norwich to take on the role of business writer.

This year, he was named Business and Finance Journalist of the Year 2013 at the Regional Press Awards in London.

“I feel extremely proud to have been entrusted to take on this important role,” Ben said.

“East Anglia is a hot bed of innovation and business success. I know from experience that counties across the UK look towards our region in the hope of mirroring our economic excellence.

“My challenge is to reflect these achievements going forward. Whether the business is large or small, a tech start-up or a well-established family firm, I will endeavour to cover the events that matter to the business communities in the east.”

He added: “As well as ensuring the coverage remains authoritative and informative in print, the business team will be exploring new ways to expand our reach online, while bringing in fresh voices and perspectives to spark debate.

“I want the readers and businesses to be a part of this journey – and I am looking forward to sharing my vision soon.”

Ben succeeds Shaun Lowthorpe who has been promoted to a new strategic role of business publishing editor working on new B2B editorial projects for Archant across the region, after three years as business editor.

Both will continue to work closely together, while Shaun will also shortly be appearing on Mustard TV as the channel expands its news coverage with a new business briefing segment.

And in a further enhancement of coverage, the team will shortly be joined by a new agricultural, food, and farming editor, and a business writer.

Shaun said: “It is a really exciting time for the business team. We are expanding our coverage and looking at new ways to cover the business stories that matter to people in our region.

”Ben has produced some great scoops since joining the business team and has some really innovative ideas about how to take our coverage forward.

“For me, it’s great to hand over to him after three years running the business desk. My new role means I won’t be far away and I am looking forward to developing new products and ideas as we look to enhance our business coverage.”

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