Rochdale Online sees revenues and profit increase

Photo: Journeaux

Rochdale Online Managing Director Pauline Journeaux

Rochdale Online has seen an increase in revenues and profit for the financial year ending 1 April 2015 - turnover was up 15% and net profit increased by 109%.

Managing Director Pauline Journeaux said: "Our strategy of keeping a tight reign on overheads whilst investing in staff is bearing fruit.

"Like many local companies we suffered badly when the recession first hit and to survive we had to lay off staff and tighten our belts. However, having done so, we have been back in profit for the last three financial years and taking on staff again."

A significant increase in advertising revenue on the Rochdale Online website accounted for the bulk of the increase in revenue.

Mrs Journeaux said: "We have had a very loyal base of regular advertisers for many years, some such as The Deckers Group [owners of The Crimble and The Royal Toby] and Northern Employment have been advertising with us week in week out for over a decade, however in the past year that base has increased as more local businesses recognise the terrific value for money we offer. As newspaper circulation has plummeted, our audience has increased massively and that offers local businesses a great opportunity to reach a very large local audience."

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/1/business-news/94281/a-rochdale-success-story

The increase in profits has come despite an increased wage bill, due to creating two new posts in the past year, with a third just advertised.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/classifieds/jobs/15810/graduate-aspnet-developer

Rochdale Online is a living wage employer with staff enjoying salaries in excess of the living wage. All staff also live in Rochdale, something that Mrs Journeaux says she is particularly pleased about.

She explains: "Employers employing locals is as important to the local economy as it is for locals to buy local, both keep money flowing in the local economy rather than it flowing out of town. Crucial if we are serious about improving Rochdale."