'Hold the front page...we're having a revamp'

Holdthe FrontPage, the website specialising in covering the regional press, has unveiled a smart new look - its first revamp in 11 years.

HTFP says an improved job search is key to the new-look platform with all jobs now searchable by region, keyword and sector as well as category at a new jobs board, HTFPJobs.

There is also a dedicated social networking and blogging platform, HTFPConnect, where journalists will be able to link up with old colleagues and college mates, and write their own blogs for the site.

The entire archive of 20,000-plus HoldtheFrontPage stories has been migrated across to the new WordPress-powered site.

HoldtheFrontPage publisher Paul Linford said: “The original version of HTFP which went live in February 2000 certainly stood the test of time but in the fast-changing world of digital publishing a redesign was long overdue.

“What we set out to deliver was a platform that provides a better showcase for our content, offers an improved service to jobseekers and employers, and introduces a new element of social networking and interactivity, and I hope we have managed to do that."

• HoldtheFrontPage was launched in February 2000by Northcliffe Electronic Publishing, now Northcliffe Digital, in Derby. The Newsquest publishing group acquired a 50% stake at the start of 2001. Trinity Mirror came on board in 2002 and Johnston Press joined the partnership in 2004.
  
• Despite being owned by the biggest regional publishers, HoldtheFrontPage maintains its editorial independence and shares something in common with all those covering the media: Newsquest chief executive Paul Davidson won't speak to them.