The firm said the business was in "excellent shape" with major print investments expected to have a positive impact on cash generation.

The company, whose Yorkshire titles include the Yorkshire Evening Post, the Yorkshire Post and the Wakefield Express, said an improvement in month-on-month advertising performance reported at the time of the announcement of its half-year results had been maintained for the five months ended November 30.

During that period, overall advertising revenues increased by 0.2 per cent with like-for-like UK print advertising revenues declining by 0.8 per cent.

During the first half, the equivalent figures were reductions of 1.5 per cent and 2.9 per cent respectively.

In an update ahead of annual results on March 5, the firm said newspaper sales revenue continued to grow on a like-for-like basis with increased cover prices more than off-setting declines in circulation.

To date, second half circulations were declining at a slightly lesser rate and when coupled with a continued rapid growth in our online users and the roll-out of new print launches, this had resulted in a further increase in total audience reach.



Property expert joins legal firm

YORKSHIRE law firm McCormicks has appointed a commercial property specialist to its growing team of lawyers.

Chris Garside joins from Eversheds and will head McCormicks' commercial property team.

He has worked with some of the most innovative developers in the region and nationally, including Urban Splash, Priority Sites, English Partnerships and City Loft Developments, to assist in schemes which have helped regenerate many English cities and towns

Mr Garside said: "I will be developing McCormicks' bespoke and flexible service to our clients, whether they are seasoned property people or individuals or organisations trying to make the most of their property assets."