A motoring journalist whose road test reviews were a regular feature in business and lifestyle magazines has died aged 71.

Midlands-based Sue Cooke, left, was one of the first female motoring journalists, writing for Birmingham Living and a host of other publications.

A former deputy editor of Chamberlink, the magazine of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, she had worked as a freelance for the past 20 years.

She contributed road test reviews, features and comments about motoring to 39 business and lifestyle magazines and online media throughout the UK, with a total circulation of 400,000.

David Johns, editor of Birmingham Living, said: “Sue was a real joy to work with, possessing a deep knowledge of the automotive industry which was matched by her understanding of what readers really wanted to know about the new cars she reviewed.

Her funeral will take place at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium on Friday at 2.30 pm.

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Voice of NCTJ exams retires

A broadcast journalist who became known as the ‘voice of NCTJ exams’ has retired.

Sky Sports journalist Nick Powell, left, has recorded the essential journalism exam scenario videos since 2016, becoming a familiar voice to hundreds of trainee journalists.

Reflecting on his time in the role, he said: “I’ve really enjoyed being the voice of the NCTJ exams for so long. It’s quite a privilege, as someone who gained his own NCTJ qualifications many decades ago!

“Recording the scripts is sometimes a challenge, because it’s always in-studio during a commercial break, and everyone pretty much stops to let you do it, so there is a fair bit of pressure to get it right first time.”

Nick’s own broadcasting career spans nearly three decades with Sky Sports News and Sky News, with his reporting highlights including Super Saturday at the London Olympics, England’s historic Ashes victory at The Oval in 2005 and Andy Murray’s first Wimbledon title.

Fellow Sky Sports News presenter and journalist Jo Wilson will now be taking over the role.

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Newspaper celebrates 150th anniversary

A weekly newspaper first published in 1875 has marked its 150th anniversary.

Originally a four-page publication priced at one penny, the Ross-shire Journal has charted the life and times of the Scottish county since the Victorian era.

Founded by printer Lewis Munro, it was for more than a century closely associated with the Watt family, including former editor David Watt, pictured, who died last year.

Among those congraulating the newspaper on the milestone was Ross MSP Maree Todd.

She said: “As a local politician, I regularly hear from constituents who reference stories they’ve read in the Ross-shire—proof of just how widely read and respected it is. Whether holding decision-makers to account or celebrating community achievements, the paper continues to be an invaluable source of local information and conversation.

“In an era where local news faces many challenges, it’s more important than ever to support the publications that keep our communities connected. Congratulations to the Ross-shire Journal on this milestone – here’s to many more years of dedicated journalism and impactful storytelling.”

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Ferrari to headline Press Club lunch

Radio host Nick Ferrari is to headline a celebrity lunch at Birmingham Press Club next month.

Nick, left, who has presented the weekday breakfast show on LBC for the past 21 years, will be guest speaker at the event at Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham, on Friday, April 25.

Press Club president Bob Warman said: “Birmingham Press Club has always attracted speakers who are the titans of broadcasting and print.

“Nick Ferrari is right up there with them – a former showbiz editor and columnist, and for the last 20 years commanding the airwaves as the UK’s most talked about speech interviewer.

“Nick’s style is as seductive as it is powerful. A lunch event not to be missed.”

Tickets are £70 and will include a drinks reception from 12 noon to 12.30pm followed by a three-course lunch.

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Hyperlocal editor launches new marketing event

A hyperlocal editor and entrepreneur is launching a major new event aimed at promoting the affiliate marketing industry.

Taking place on 17 October, Affiliate North will bring together affiliate marketers, publishers, agencies, networks and brands looking for the latest insights and new opportunities in the fast-growing affiliate marketing space.

Affiliate marketing is a performance-based marketing strategy where businesses partner with third-party publishers – known as affiliates – to promote their products or services.

The event is being organised by Rooftree Publishing, owned by David Prior, who is also publisher of Altrincham Today and founding editor of B2B title Prolific North.

Said David, pictured:  “Affiliate North marks an exciting new chapter for affiliate marketing in the UK. Manchester and the wider North have become increasingly important centres for ecommerce and digital marketing, and the region is home to major players in online retail, fashion, homeware and finance, making it a natural hub for affiliate marketing growth.

“With the digital landscape shifting due to Google’s algorithm updates and the rise of generative AI, affiliate marketing is emerging as a crucial channel for brands to build direct partnerships, drive high-intent traffic and increase conversions without being overly reliant on search engines.”