Tony Harris acquired Boat International eight years ago, and has built it into a global publishing and events business.  He has a history in magazine publishing, having acquired Sailing Today and launched Coast magazine before taking over Boat International.  Tony is taking part in the consumer media panel at the Specialist Media Conference.  Here he shares his plans for his own business and some tips for other independent publishers.

How did you get into publishing?

My father was a Fleet Street circulation manager; he persuaded me to go to an interview for John Menzies (wholesale) and I started my publishing career in the returns department of a wholesale newsagent!!

What media brands do you publish?

Boat International, Showboats and Dockwalk.

What’s happening in your market?

Shift to digital, growth in events.

What’s new for your products?

Our next major product launch is www.charterfleet.com in Q2 2012, our intention is to match the success we have had with our brokerage site www.boatinternational.com in the global luxury yacht charter business.

Where are your big opportunities?

China and Brazil in print. Our digital portfolio. There are still lots of opportunities to grow our events portfolio, especially in the US.

What keeps you awake at night? 

The fear of global economic meltdown.

What big decisions do you have coming up?

How much we invest in creating a data business

How do you find out about new trends in publishing?

Reading

What’s your top tip for other niche and independent publishers?

Dominate your niche and focus on quality in everything you do.

What’s your favourite magazine?

I have two , Vanity Fair (US edition) and Motorsport magazine (owned by Edward Atkin)

Contact details 

www.boatinternationalmedia.com

www.boatinternational.com

tony.harris@boatinternationalmedia.com

Tony Harris is taking part in the 2012 Specialist Media Conference.  Read more about the conference.

Book for Conference now for early bird savings

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