Parents News UK
In 1993 Parents News launched a printed edition 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.
The printed version had a rapid expansion to 60,000 copies and then with branches in Kent and South London to 192,000 copies monthly. They opened 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
Parents News UK launched Online in 1997 and carried digital copies of the printed publication, and also national and other information in parallel to printed editions. 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 informing busy parents and families.
We have recently expanded to include two new generations of the family – our daughter and her wife and their baby son, who is an excellent reviewer.
Advertorials are offered at a reasonable rate 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
Meet the team
Penny McCarthy
Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief
Penny McCarthy co-founded Parents News in 1993 with a mission to support busy parents in Southwest London. Under her leadership, the publication grew from a local startup to a widely circulated resource reaching 192,000 families. In 1997, Penny led the launch of the digital platform, ensuring Parents News stayed ahead of the curve. Today, she continues to steer the publication’s growth, focusing on innovative content and advertising opportunities.
Fergus McCarthy
Co-founder & Chief Revenue Officer
Fergus McCarthy has been a driving force behind the growth of Parents News since its launch in 1993. With over 30 years of experience in publishing, he played a key role in expanding the publication’s reach to Kent, South London, and beyond. Fergus also spearheaded the digital transition, and today, he focuses on delivering value to advertisers and supporting the publication’s continued success.
Samantha McCarthy
Chief Operating Officer
Samantha McCarthy plays a key role in the continued success and growth of the family-run publication. As the daughter of founders Penny and Fergus McCarthy, she oversees daily operations and has been instrumental in steering the business through its digital transformation, ensuring its relevance in the modern online landscape. With a deep personal connection to the business, she brings fresh ideas and a forward-thinking approach, alongside her wife and their young son, who also contributes to the family enterprise.
Beth Ashton
Editorial Director
Beth Ashton is a digital media strategist and expert in audience engagement. As Editorial Director at Parents News, Beth brings her experience from leading major UK newspapers to enhance the publication’s reach and interaction. Her innovative approach helps ensure that Parents News continues to grow its audience while delivering valuable content to families across the UK.
