Regional business coverage at Reach plc titles is again coming under threat as a result of the current round of cutbacks at the publisher.
Reach is axing 321 editorial roles and creating 135 new ones as part of its ‘biggest ever’ newsroom shake-up.
Among those leaving the business is Peter Walker, pictured, editor of Scottish Business Insider for the past five years.
His departure leaves a question mark over the future of the 41-year-old brand, which went online-only after ceasing print publication in 2022.
Also leaving is Midlands business editor Tamlyn Jones, who joined Reach following stints with HTFP, TheBusinessDesk.com and North West Insider.
As a result, it is understood there will no longer be a dedicated reporter covering West Midlands business news for BusinessLive and connected local titles.
However the regional business editors covering Wales and the South West, Sion Barry and Hannah Baker, are remaining in their roles.
And Alastair Houghton, who edits Business Live as well as providing business coverage across the North West, is also staying with the business.
Posting on LinkedIn, Peter wrote: “After five years running the Insider.co.uk website, in a week’s time I’m going to be made redundant, with no firm plan for the future of a 41 year-old brand.
“It’s been genuinely fascinating learning about the various strands and sectors of Scottish business, meeting many interesting people and writing articles I’m really proud of.
“Now I’m back in the job market, so do let me know if you know of any similarly stimulating writing/editing gigs going…”
Tamlyn has not commented publicly but is understood to have notified PRs on his patch that he is leaving.
Posting on X about Tamlyn’s departure, Professor David Bailey of Birmingham Business School said: “Local business news won’t quite be the same again.”
It is less than two years since the last major shake-up of business coverage across Reach saw five of its regional business editors leaving the business.
Their departures in the company’s 2023 pre-Christmas restructure left BusinessLive with no dedicated reporting staff in some regions.
A Reach spokesperson said: “Business journalism remains an important part of our local news output.
“We’re continuing to evolve our business coverage, ensuring it reflects the needs of our audiences and the ways they increasingly choose to consume that type of news.
“Our focus is on delivering useful, relevant and engaging journalism that keeps pace with change.”
However the company has declined to confirm whether Scottish Business Insider and BusinessLive will remain as standalone online brands.