Independent publisher Anthem Publishing has completed its transition to employee ownership, following the sale of the business to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT). This secures its independence and creates a new chapter for the company and its employees, says the publisher.
Anthem was founded in 2002 by co-owners Jon Bickley, Simon Lewis and Paul Pettengale with the launch of its first magazine, MusicTech. Over the years, Anthem has added many different brands and sectors to its portfolio, including the launch of Cupcake Heaven in 2011, which kickstarted the company’s food portfolio, and the launch of Colouring Heaven in 2016, which led to the company’s domination of the colouring sector.
In 2018, Anthem says it took a pivotal change of direction when it sold MusicTech and The Guitar Magazine, and purchased Women’s Running, realigning its company mission to helping people live happier, healthier lives. This is a mission that has continued to motivate and direct Anthem ever since.
The move to an employee-owned business marks the next chapter in Anthem’s story, added the publisher. It strengthens the company’s independence and protects the culture that has been carefully crafted over the last two decades by its dedicated team.
Anthem’s remaining founder, Jon Bickley, will continue to support the business in his new capacity as Founder I Chair and Trustee Director, while day-to-day running of the business will pass to CEO Sally FitzGerald and Chief Creative Officer Jenny Cook, alongside the company’s existing leadership team.
Jon comments: "I'm absolutely delighted that we've completed Anthem's transition to employee ownership. Over the past 23 years, we've built a business with a unique drive and culture, strong brands and a brilliant leadership team. Employee ownership feels like the natural next step, protecting Anthem's independence and giving the people who have helped build the business a genuine stake in its future success.”
Jenny adds: "Back in 2003, my focus was simply getting Anthem’s very first issue of MusicTech off to press as Art Editor. To be here 23 years later as Chief Creative Officer - and now sharing in the business ownership - is a surreal and immensely proud moment. Jon’s leadership has fostered a workplace culture that truly empowers its team. I’m so grateful for his generosity and trust, and energised for everything we will build next as an employee-owned company."
Sally concludes: “Anthem has always felt like a unique place to work, and our move to being employee-owned reflects that. I’m so proud of the way the leadership team has matured alongside Jon over the last few years and helped to shape the company – this feels like a very natural next step for us. It allows us to build on those strong foundations and continue to serve our audiences in the best ways possible, whilst still innovating and pushing the boundaries of traditional magazine publishing as we’ve become known for! We have an incredible team at Anthem and everyone is used to taking ownership of their individual roles, we now have a shared responsibility to drive the business forwards. We're really excited for the future.”
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