01/07/2025
‘We’re only just starting!’: Crosby Associates Media breaks records again as audiences soar across key titles
Crosby Associates Media has recorded yet another record-breaking month for digital growth, with standout performances across its portfolio – including a staggering 1,000% rise in traffic for Build News UK News, a 49% uplift for flagship title Housing Executive Magazine, and continued momentum for new launch Rochdale Times, which is up 21% month-on-month and has now reached 52,242 unique users in just three months.
That milestone makes Rochdale Times – launched in April in partnership with North Squared Media’s Karl Holbrook – the biggest digital brand in the Crosby portfolio, having already reached nearly half the population of the town. It caps off a remarkable first half of the year for the group.
The record-breaking results reflect sustained growth across the group, with Housing Executive notching its biggest traffic month of the year in June and Build News continuing a meteoric run during which traffic has increased 1,000% since February.
“It’s been a phenomenal few months,” said Nick Fellows, Managing Director of Crosby Associates Media. “We’ve seen consistent, sustained growth across every corner of our business, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum. From Rochdale to our B2B titles, our audience-first strategy is delivering tangible results.”
The first half of 2025 has also seen Crosby expand its reach and capabilities with several major new partnerships. This includes taking on the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce’s business magazine, transitioning the publication from bi-monthly to quarterly, with a refreshed design and more in-depth content giving the magazine greater shelf-life and value. This follows the successful relaunch of Focus Magazine with Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, with the second edition now in production.
The company has also bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of Linda Fellows as Sales Director. Linda brings more than 30 years of experience in media sales and digital marketing, having held senior roles at Newsquest Media Ltd and North Wales Newspaper Group.
Crosby continues to work closely with North Squared Media’s Karl Holbrook, who leads on audience development across the portfolio, and whose company now provides editorial leadership on several publications, including Feature Focus for Staffordshire Chambers and others.
Karl added: “The numbers are brilliant but the real story is the connection we’re making with readers and partners across the different brands. We’ve built something in Rochdale that’s been embraced by the community, and it’s great to see those values of positivity, quality and trust translating into results across the wider Crosby portfolio. There’s a real energy behind the work right now and it’s only just getting started.”
