Dorset Biz News Ltd, publisher of DorsetBizNews.co.uk, is under new ownership.

We’ve been acquired by Black Ox Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

The Camberley-based firm is the publisher of The Business Magazine.

The acquisition is part of the company’s continued investment in regional and local business journalism.

DorsetBizNews.co.uk was founded by business journalist Andrew Diprose in October 2019.

He remains as Editor of the site until a successor is recruited.

Richard Thompson, Black Ox Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome DorsetBizNews.co.uk to the growing Black Ox stable of online and print publications.

“We love what Andrew has built at DorsetBizNews.co.uk.

“It is a positive and dynamic news site which has become a voice for Dorset business, celebrating the people and companies who drive business forward at the county level.

“We have some exciting plans for the BizNews brand and will expand its presence across the UK, always keeping it local, always as a voice for business at the county level and with a commitment to quality content.

“DorsetBizNews.co.uk perfectly complements our flagship title The Business Magazine, the champion of regional business for the last 30 years.”

Black Ox’s footprint was expanded in May last year following the acquisition of Gloucester-based NK Media, publishers of Business & Innovation Magazine.

It enabled The Business Magazine’s traditional South East reach to be extended into the South West.

Video production house Sightline was also acquired by Black Ox in April last year in a move to increase the breadth of services available to advertisers.

Andrew, 61, said: “Black Ox was our preferred acquirer, especially having seen the tremendous impact they have had after reinvigorating The Business Magazine since acquiring the title and their commitment to quality content.

“We are excited by their plans to grow the BizNews brand nationally as a local county news service over the coming months and years.

Going live: Our first day, October 2, 2019.

“DorsetBizNews.co.uk started with a zero audience and zero name recognition but with our fresh, upbeat and positive approach to business and keeping it local, the site has established a large and incredibly loyal following.

“It’s a very proud moment for my wife, son and I – all shareholders – to see an expanding media group of the calibre of Black Ox acquire our venture.”

Black Ox will be actively recruiting for a new editor for Dorset Biz News over the coming months.

Anyone interested should contact Stephen Emerson, Managing Editor, The Business Magazine, at [email protected].

• thebusinessmagazine.co.uk