A PASSION for newspapers has brought business expert Amanda Davison-Young to Newsquest Hampshire as the new managing director for the Daily Echo and its sister publications, including the Hampshire Chronicle.

With 24 years’ experience in the industry, Amanda brings with her a wealth of expertise and understanding of one of Britain’s fastest changing industries.

But at its heart, it is the buzz and perpetual challenge inherent in newspapers that has kept the mother-of-three in the newspaper industry, she explains.

“Of course I love the digital side of our media world, but there’s nothing that can beat the excitement of working with real newspapers,” said Amanda, who has taken up her post at the Daily Echo’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Test Lane, Redbridge.

“Working in newspapers means that nothing is impossible to achieve, provided you can bring together a great team and work with your local community.

“That’s what it’s all about really – being involved and supporting this city region, and I’m excited at what is ahead for all of us here at the papers in Hampshire.”

Amanda, who has a Masters degree in business administration, has also lectured in business and accounting at University Centre Peterborough and Peterborough Regional College.

She was formerly head of the Peterborough Evening Telegraph, as managing director of East Midlands Newspapers, and managing director at Bury Free Press and associated titles.

For the past three years she has run her own business consultancy, Davison-Young Associates Ltd, in Peterborough and is now looking to relocate to Hampshire with her family.

“What lies at the heart of any successful newspaper is its ability to create partnerships and then cement them into place,” said Amanda.

“These newspapers will continue to provide fair and balanced coverage of all of our communities and be at the heart of everything they do.”