Connecting Travel parent Jacobs Media Group announces growth plans

Company targets continued expansion of international channels

Connecting Travel parent company Jacobs Media Group (JMG) has unveiled a new business structure and growth strategy for 2023 as two senior executives take on enhanced positions.

Founded with the acquisition of Travel Weekly in 2009 by Clive Jacobs, London-based JMG has expanded significantly through further acquisition and organic growth, including the opening of a second headquarters in Dubai in 2021.

It received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2020 for the expansion of its global business by more than 50% over the previous three years.

Reflecting the ongoing growth of the business beyond the UK, a new international travel trade team is being formed to work alongside established and rapidly expanding global JMG brands, which include Connecting Travel, Connections and Travolution.

These brands will report directly into JMG chief executive Duncan Horton, who will take on a new title of group chief executive.

A key focus for the international trade team will be the evolution of the Connecting Travel Middle East business as it targets expansion within the region and other global markets

Working alongside Horton, Stu Parish will take on an expanded role overseeing the company’s UK division and the JMG brand as UK chief executive. Parish will continue to oversee the group’s flagship UK travel trade media titles, Travel Weekly and The Caterer, as well as Travel Weekly sister title Aspire and the Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (ATAS).

Parish will also take responsibility for the development of the JMG brand, social responsibilities and company values, including implementation of its new employee welfare programme.

Horton and Parish will continue to report into JMG chairman and owner Clive Jacobs, who will actively oversee development and growth of both UK and global operations.

Jacobs said: “Despite the crippling impact of the pandemic, I was determined that Jacobs Media Group would push forward when others stepped back, increasing our output to support our readers and partners and opening a new Middle East office.

“There is no doubt those decisions have left us in the best position possible to accelerate our growth plans in the UK and globally, and this new business structure and strategy will allow us to focus on particular areas of opportunity.”

He added: “Duncan and Stu have played integral roles in the growth of JMG over the past 14 years and I have no doubt they will continue to drive our success in their deserved new roles.”