Thu. Dec 19th, 2024

About Parents News UK

Parents News UK

In 1993 Parents News printed edition launched in Southwest London and won an award from Kingston upon Thames as the Best New Business 1993.

Penny and Fergus McCarthy were founder members and are still with the business.

A rapid expansion saw the printed version grow to 60,000 copies and then with branches in Kent and South London to 192,000 copies monthly. There were franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall.

The publication catered for busy parents seeking what’s on information for themselves and their families, as well as advice and opportunities in education, schools, entertainment, fitness, sports, dance, drama, music, holidays, tourism, and much more.

Parents News UK Online

The website lanched in 1997 and carried digital copies of the printed publication, and also national information in parallel. Popularity grew to hits of up to 700 per day.

In 2017 Parents News UK stopped publishing the printed edition and the website has taken over keeping busy parents informed.

There are plans for the futuure, but currently Advertorials are offered to those business wishing to promote themselves or their product and the measure of success has been the repeated business.

Advertorial enquiries should go to fergus@parents-news.co.uk

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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