DC Thomson

We were delighted to host a group from Sustainable Futures, University of Exeter Business School - a research-led department focused on environmental and sustainability studies - as part of their visit to Scotland with the Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce today. It was a great opportunity to explore their work and for us to showcase the impactful sustainability initiatives of the businesses that our investment arm, DC Thomson Capital is involved in and hear from our new Head of Sustainability, Katy Tallon. As a business, DC Thomson is committed to sustainable growth, long-term prosperity, and providing a thriving future for generations to come.

Colleagues were celebrating the ambition, innovation and spirit of local entrepreneurial talent at two events last week. DC Thomson’s Scott Mathieson was part of the judging panel for the Scottish EDGE Dundee and Angus regional final hosted at our Meadowside headquarters where five businesses were awarded a share of the ￡100,000 prize fund. And our Managing Editor Graham Huband joined fellow judges at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Dundee, Venture 2025 Live Final, a new business idea competition with a ￡65,000 prize fund. Reflecting on both, Scott and Graham were energised and excited by the depth of talent and the exciting ideas and activity being developed across the city and the wider region. Scott said "Judging the Scottish EDGE Dundee & Angus Regional Final has been a fantastic experience. The calibre of entrepreneurs, the innovation on display, and the passion behind each pitch were truly inspiring. Events like this are a vital reminder that Scotland’s entrepreneurial future is thriving, and with the right support from the likes of Scottish EDGE, Elevator and DC Thomson, these businesses have the potential to drive real economic growth. It was an honour to play a small part in helping these founders take their next step." Graham was full of praise for the 12 pitches taking part. "The Venture finals are all about embedding and encouraging entrepreneurial culture. "While there were a number of cash prizes handed out which will be used to help the businesses continue to scope and progress, the evening was as much about celebrating entrepreneurialism in all its forms and networking with like-minded people. "We saw a range of amazing, dynamic, early-stage companies led by founders who have a real passion for their products and services and whose ideas - if fully realised - could be incredibly exciting and wealth creating. "It was fantastic to see such a creative, go-ahead culture being fostered on our doorstep in Dundee."? ( ??Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Dundee / DC Thomson)

#MakeItFair ? We are backing a new campaign launched today - on the final day of the consultation with the Government - led by the News Media Association and PPA. This campaign calls for a collaborative and fair deal between AI industries and content creators in the UK. ? As part of our support, today, The Courier, The Press and Journal and our Evening titles are running editorial pieces along with advertising to support the campaign. We will also run supporting digital campaigns throughout the week.

One of the highlights in The Press and Journal calendar takes place this evening with The P&J Charity Gala at P&J Live. The event harnesses the connective power of our business community, bringing people together to help raise vital funds for The P&J Community Fund, which supports the charities transforming the north and north-east of Scotland. Updates from the event will be available throughout the evening on The Press and Journal's social channels with coverage across digital and print platforms. To set the scene for another memorable evening, check out the video below where Clan Cancer Support and Abbie's Sparkle Foundation find out they have been chosen by readers as charity partners for the next two years...

Today sees the launch of The Courier's new true crime podcast Who Killed Annalise? Brendan Duggan reopens the case of Annalise Johnstone who was murdered in 2018 and her body left at a witch's grave in Perthshire. Brendan interviews witnesses, police and her family - including one relative who was a suspect in the unsolved killing. The five-part serial will be hosted on the DC Thomson Impact podcast channel on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts with an episode released each week alongside two previously released podcasts from The Press and Journal, Hunting Mr X and Vanished: The Arlene Fraser Murder. Brendan, who will also be writing about the investigation with stories on The Courier website and in print, talked about why it was so important to re-examine this story. He said: “The murder of Annalise Johnstone remains one of Scotland’s most unsettling and gripping unsolved cases. Yet, it’s puzzling how her story has seemingly faded from public attention. “Our podcast isn’t just a continuation of our true crime storytelling from Vanished and Hunting Mr. X—it’s a platform to reignite interest in Annalise’s case and bring it back into the public eye. “By sharing Annalise’s story, we not only give her family a voice but also examine the circumstances that led to such a profound injustice.” If you prefer listening to podcast episodes back-to-back, all five are available immediately, ad free, by downloading The Courier app from the link below. David Clegg, Editor of The Courier said: "Who Killed Annalise? is a powerful example of the kind of journalism that matters most – shining a light on unresolved questions, giving a voice to those affected, and uncovering new details with care and integrity. "Brendan Duggan and our newsroom team have worked tirelessly to re-examine this tragic case, bringing depth and insight that serve both our readers and the wider community. "Investigations like these are at the heart of The Courier’s mission – to inform, challenge, and stand up for our audiences. "This podcast also marks an exciting step in our growing podcast portfolio, offering more ways for people to engage with our journalism in a format that suits them."

Something for the weekend? Why not join Beano readers who are going bananas for the new issue that celebrates Bananaman’s 45th birthday with guest editor Mike Tindall. What’s that? This is LinkedIn, be serious, no more banana puns! Got it. Rugby legend Mike joins Bananaman on a new epic adventure as well using his time in the editor’s chair to call on all parents and carers to embrace their inner mischief-maker and enjoy a laugh and a prank with their kids. ?The superhero from Acacia Road has been inundated with birthday wishes, with over 350 pieces of coverage across broadcast, national, regional and consumer titles celebrating this anniversary. Whether you are a long-standing fan who can still sing the theme song (you’re singing it aren’t you?), or a new reader keen to see this dynamic duo in action, this issue will ap-peel to readers of all ages (sorry! ??). Beano Studios

February's edition of Energy Voice is hot off the press today! The Press and Journal

Enjoying the new series of The Apprentice? Looking forward to the start of this year’s Six Nations? Join Owen Wyatt and Mike Soutar at the home of Scottish Rugby for a wide ranging conversation including the importance of local journalism, building your professional brand on LinkedIn, an exciting time for rugby and business in #Scotland and Mike's key learnings from his time on the show.

DC Thomson is proud to support the work of the John Schofield Trust and in this article we hear from our first colleague to have participated in its renowned mentoring programme as well as looking ahead to five colleagues embarking on year long development opportunities in 2025.

Wonderful to see Beano Studios' Gift Egbedi tell his story in the latest episode of PPA's I Found Myself in Publishing podcast (and great to hear his musical talents on the soundtrack too!) ?? You can watch Gift's full episode here: https://lnkd.in/d9DzHA2N