This week saw Business Desk establish its presence on the right side, well west side of the Pennines.

In a time when a number of NW business magazines have been axed it is uplifting to see new channels emerge.  (Since I started writing my blog I have reported on at least  four business titles going for one reason or another just in the North West).

Some of the new publications such as Crain’s seem to have invested as much if not more of their resource into ensuring their online output is as comprehensive and reaches the business audience it intends to communicate with.  The Manchester Evening News also ensures the majority of its content is available online although it does not allow track backs as does How-Do, which certainly has relationship building with readers as a key part of its strategy.

But there are still many trade and business publications that are lagging behind – perhaps disinterested, unaware or simply do not have the resource.

This is a shame.  In a competitive market, where content is often freely available and advertising revenues are going to be scarce surely it is time to make the online world a priority.

Crain’s Business Manchester ran quite a special story this week on blogmail.

The story focussed on disatisfied customers of property Dylan Harvey recovering their money with blog mail.  The pressure exerted by leaving comments on influential property sites that it uses to gain investors that told of their trouble with Dylan Harvey proved enough.  The  unhappy customers were able to recover their money without resorting to legal means, hence the title.  The link above will give both sides’ views.

The special thing is not so much the power of PR, using blogs to influence but where the story was placed: front page of Crain’s.

How often does that happen now?

Crain’s Manchester Business has its 40 under 40 coming up and is looking for nominations.

Just go to the website.