Magazines aim to have business and property covered

Two separate free magazines have been launched in Brighton and Hove, with one covering business matters and the other highlighting developments in the property market.

Both glossy magazines have been launched by people involved in Absolute Magazine, owned by Alan Prior, who says the next edition of Absolute will be out next month.

Ian Trevett is editor - and co-founder, along with Maarten Hoffmann - of Platinum Business Magazine, whose current edition features an exclsuive interview with Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One owner.

Mr Trevett said: "We set up Platinum Business Magazine after conversations with many of the region's business leaders and owners, who expressed the unanimous view that there was a need for a publication with a strong voice to represent our businesses and entrepreneurs. The southeast is the powerhouse of the country's economy, packed with successful companies and enterprising innovators and it should have a magazine to reflect this.

"Our editorial is fiercely independent and, although there will be some that won't agree with our opinions, we believe that opposing views and debate is the lifeblood of a democracy. All our contributors are successful Sussex business leaders who are writing about the subjects on which they have expertise and experience. We feature exclusive interviews with leading figures in the business community, in-depth round-table debates, and a wide range of useful advice."

After only four issues, Platinum Business Magazine claims already to be the most-read business publication in the region, with magazines mailed directly to directors, business owners, entrepreneurs, educationists, and business leaders.

Separately, Portfolio is a new high-quality monthly publication that features beautiful and unique properties, interiors, and relevant business news from across Brighton and Hove. It is designed to reflect "the affluent and vibrant nature" of the city and the surrounding areas.

Lynne Edwards, Portfolio's managing director, said: 'After 15 years as sales director of other property publications, I am delighted to finally have my own publication; I am particularly proud of both the design and editorial content we produce."

The Portfolio team includes Fiona McTernan as production editor and Maarten Hoffmann, the magazine's business editor and co-founder of Platinum Business Magazine.