Will Trinity block Reeves' new business venture?

There is speculation that Trinity Mirror may try and block former Birmingham Post editor Marc Reeves from launching an online business news operation in the West Midlands.

Reeves is believed to be in the process of launching a West Midlands version of the successful TheBusinessDesk online news service which operates in Yorkshire and the North West.

Reeves left the editorship of Trinity's Birmingham Post, which is aimed at the West Midlands business community, at the end of the year  shortly after it switched from daily to weekly.

It is not uncommon for editors to have non-competition clauses in their contracts to stop them directly competing with their old titles when they leave.

Yesterday a story about Reeves' new business website was carried on The Drum, on which he has a blog, but was taken down within minutes of being posted.

Journalism.co.uk has reported that the new venture would be run by Reeves and two other journalists and says one of those involved is believed to be the former Birmingham Post deputy business editor, Duncan Tift. It also says that it is understood that Reeves has begun offering banner advertising for the new site.
Update: HoldtheFrontPage says today: "Mr Reeves has so far not responded to our requests for comment on the plan.  However, HTFP understands from other media sources in the West Midlands that yesterday's reports were accurate and that Mr Reeves has already begun selling advertising for the new site."
HTFP also makes the point that when the Birmingham Post went weekly it said it would put all breaking news online.