Sam Pither, the new Editor of Dorset Biz News (right) with Andrew Diprose, Founder of the website, who retires on June 16.
Published: June 15, 2023 | Updated: 15th June 2023
“We have the man for the job.”
Flashback to January this year.
The words of Richard Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Black Ox Media & Events, owners of Dorset Biz News since January.
He was reacting to the appointment of Sam Pither as the new Editor of Dorset Biz News.
The 28-year-old takes over from Andrew Diprose, Founder and Editor of Dorset Biz News, who retires today after a 44-year career in the media.
He founded the business-focused website in October 2019.
It was acquired by Black Ox, publisher of The Business Magazine, for an undisclosed sum in January this year.
Richard, pictured left, said: “Finding someone that can step into Andrew’s shoes is a huge task.
“We’re delighted to say we have the man for the job in Sam Pither.
“He has graduated through the ranks at The Business Magazine, starting as a Junior Reporter through to Editor of Biz News in an incredibly short space of time.
“Many of the business community will know of his enthusiasm for supporting local businesses and the people behind those businesses.
“We look forward to growing the business with Sam and his team.”
Paying tribute to Andrew, Richard said: “When we first met to discuss Dorset Biz News coming on board with us, it was immediately apparent that Andrew has a rare talent of being able to build relationships with the community he serves.
“As an Editor, passionately championing business in Dorset, helping to tell business owner’s stories, to celebrate, announce and to promote the great work that happens in the region.
“As a publisher, he has created a business that is set to thrive and expand.
“He has a loyal advertiser community with whom we will continue to work.
“As we look to the future we see the opportunity that Andrew has created, to grow the Biz News brands into new territories.
“Hampshire Biz News launched last month and we have more in the pipeline.”
Sam, pictured right, joined The Business Magazine in May last year.
He said: “I want to say a massive thanks to Andrew, both for his work in building Dorset Biz News since its inception in 2019 and for his trust and support since we launched Hampshire Biz News.
“In a world of clickbait and negative headlines, Andrew’s commitment to positive, upbeat business journalism is refreshing.
“He has created a legacy I’m determined to continue as we grow the Biz News brand in the coming months and years.
“I look forward to continuing his work shining a light on some of Dorset’s best businesses and, most importantly, the people who make them what they are.”
Andrew, 61, said: “Black Ox has done a brilliant job in not just refreshing the site but also rolling out the Biz News model to neighbouring Hampshire and, from next month, beyond.
“Such a thrill for what I will always regard as my ‘baby’.
“Without doubt, the last four years have been the highlight of my 44-year career, interviewing hundreds of amazing and inspiring people and writing around 4,000 stories with over two million words.
“I congratulate Sam on his well-deserved promotion and wish him – and the whole team – every success in what I reckon to be one of the best jobs in journalism.”
