An exciting new chapter beckons for the historic Isle of Wight County Press as the UK’s biggest selling weekly prepares to move into a new and improved office space.

Fresh from a record-breaking July, which saw the newsroom record its best month yet for online stats, our Island-based team will soon be working from state-of-the-art facilities at the Innovation Centre, St Cross Business Park, Newport.

Since 1992, the Island's biggest group of media professionals have been based at Brannon House in Pyle Street.

The historic building is being left in good hands, with much-loved Island charity, Friends of the Animals, moving in.

From our new office, our team of journalists and sales leads will continue producing our – and your – historic weekly title, which appears online at countypress.co.uk and, since 1884, in print.

Editor Lori Little said: “This move to a new office marks a positive change for the team and complements our continued growth.

“Our online audience figures for July and August have been fantastic and they are only going one way - up!

“Countypress.co.uk is the Island's leading news website by some margin (data by Similar Web) and the paper is the biggest selling local weekly in the country.

“These days we can do our jobs with a smart phone and a laptop and we don't need as much space as we used to.

“I’m glad our building, which has served us so well over the years, will be left in the caring hands of Friends of the Animals.”

Helen Sinclair, founder of Friends of the Animals said the charity is delighted to announce its purchase of Brannon House.

She said: "As anyone who has visited us will know, the charity has well and truly outgrown the current premises in Riverway where we have goods, literally touching the ceiling! 

"In the last couple of years, the number of calls we are receiving and the number of animals we are helping has absolutely rocketed and a move to Brannon House will enable the charity to expand and move forward. 

"The new premises are huge and the much needed extra space will be perfect for relocating our office, for sorting/recycling donated goods and for a shop.

"Being located just two minutes' walk from the bus station will also make it easier for volunteers to reach us. 

"We would like to thank the County Press for the support they give us and we wish them every success in their new premises."

Earlier this month, the County Press recruited two new journalists.

Rufus Pickles joined as the Island’s new Local Democracy Reporter and Alex Cooper started as our newest apprentice reporter.

Alex’s first day in the job was spent out and about with actor Miriam Margolyes.

On March 26, the County Press was commended at the prestigious 2024 Newspaper Awards in London.

The paper, in its 140th year, was shortlisted for the local weekly newspaper of the year award for the second year running.