APRIL sees local family business Orbit News celebrating 25 years since the launch of Warrington Worldwide online – the first independent daily online newspaper in the UK and Lymm Life magazine.
Having covered local news as a family business since 1967, the launch of Warrington Worldwide in 1999 was a big step into the unknown during internet revolution and the dot.com bubble burst!
The pioneering business has survived several recessions, the cost-of-living crisis and a pandemic, updating local news almost every day since its launch, all free at source for their many thousands of loyal readers.
Co-Founder and owner Gary Skentelbery explained: “Our aim has been to be politically independent, working with people from all political parties, doing our best to promote the positive things in our town while reporting all events in a non-sensational way, the good, the bad and sadly sometimes the ugly.
“We have witnessed many businesses come and go but have established a strong local loyal following who have helped keep us going through the tough times, in particular during the pandemic when many carried on supporting us online.
“Whether I will be here in another 25 years is out of my hands – but whatever, we hope to leave a legacy for our town well into the future.
“I would particularly like to say a big thank you to my family, especially my parents, who were the backbone in the early days, with my father David, still providing editorial support in his 70th year of working as journalist – the vast majority of his career in Warrington.
“Certainly a great example of a strong work ethic, one which I have always tried to aspire.
“I sometimes dread to think what the next 25 years is going to bring, as mankind doesn’t seem to be learning lessons in tolerance and understanding and the onset of keyboard warriors is enough to impact anyone’s mental health.
“It’s always easy to criticise from the comfort of your own home but a lot harder to make a meaningful difference.
“Unusually we launched our online edition BEFORE the print magazine which followed in the September of the same year – so another celebration looming later in the year! Meanwhile our sister print title Lymm Life, the first in our stable, also celebrates 25 years this April.
“Thankyou to everyone for your ongoing support.”
MESSAGES OF CONGRATULATION
“I’d like to congratulate Warrington Worldwide on reaching its 25th anniversary.
“For a quarter of a century, the publication – in both print and online – has been a valued resource for Warrington’s communities and businesses, providing a platform for local news, events and discussion.
“Gary Skentelbery is passionate about Warrington, and he and his team do a great job of promoting all the great things that happen here. The longevity of Warrington Worldwide is a testament to Gary’s dedication to our town.
“For an independent news outlet to be still going strong after 25 years – in the face of such rapid change in the industry – is an incredible achievement. I look forward to the council continuing to work together with Warrington Worldwide to celebrate our town as a great place to live, work, visit and do business.”
Cllr Hans Mundry, Leader, Warrington Borough Council
Hans Mundry (left) and Nigel Balding
“Many congratulations on your first 25 years of service as an excellent source of news in Warrington.
“As a local politician I see first hand how important local media are in supporting Warrington residents, holding us all to account and galvanizing Warrington Borough Council into action from time to time.
“Best wishes for your continued success as a great local business – keep up the good work.”
Cllr. Nigel Balding (Birchwood), Leader of the WBC Conservative Group
Congratulations Warrington Worldwide on celebrating your 25th Anniversary.
As a fast mover in the digital media world, you have always acted as a fair and critical friend, celebrated what is great about our town, provided timely information and advice and provided criticism when needed in a constructive manner. Here’s to the next 25 years of Warrington Worldwide”.
Professor Steven Broomhead MBESteven Broomhead with Editor Gary Skentelbery
Chief Executive
Warrington Borough Council
WOW, 25years. Congratulations to Gary and his team at Warrington Worldwide. Thanks for being there to share our stories. Here’s to the next 25. Dave Thompson and the team at Warrington Disability Partnership.
Dave ThompsonDisability Awareness Day founder Dave Thompson
CEO Warrington Disability Partnership
Many congratulations to Gary and the wider Warrington Worldwide team as you celebrate your 25th, SILVER work anniversary!
Back in 1999, the idea of an online newspaper seemed so radical but Gary was adamant it was the way forward.
As always, Gary had a good grasp of what was needed for the business to succeed and had a clear vision for success. The success of WW is testimony to Gary’s adaptability, hard work and dedication to the product and brand –
have you ever seen anyone so ‘out and about’, capturing Warrington’s great community spirit, as Gary? Congratulations on reaching such a significant milestone.”Nicola Meredith
Director Marketing & Admissions
Warrington & Vale Royal College
“Huge congratulations to the Gary and the team. Twenty-five years of Warrington Worldwide online is a significant achievement, providing a reliable source of wide-ranging information for people in the borough and beyond. We look forward to continuing to contribute and work with the team to communicate healthcare information to a wide audience.”
Simon ConstableWarrington Hospital’s Chief Executive Simon Constable
Chief Executive of Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Congratulations to Warrington Worldwide for their significant anniversary. Healthwatch has benefited by a significant increase in reach into the Warrington community by using Warrington Worldwide services.
I wish you all continued success, as the local media provider both with your local magazines and your online presence. Well done, something to celebrate. Keep up the great work.’
Lydia HughesHealthwatch Warrington CEO Lydia Hughes
CEO Healthwatch Warrington
Best Wishes to everyone at Warrington Worldwide on your anniversary – it has been great to work with you.”
Ben Wakerley
Managing Director
Warrington’s Own Buses
“Congratulations Gary and the team. Thank you for everything you’ve done for us.
Best Wishes The Urban Team.”
Carl Palmer
Managing Director
“Myself & the team at Belvoir Warrington have had a long & mutually successful relationship with Warrington Worldwide and long may it continue.
Congratulations on your 25th On-line anniversary.”
Gary PemmbertonGary Pemberton from Belvoir Sales & Lettings
Belvoir Housing
“Congratulations to everyone at Warrington Worldwide on your 25 year anniversary, from all the team at BAS”
Jo Novoa Bradley
BAS Vehicle Adaptions
“Wishing you a huge congratulations as you celebrate 25 years of Warrington Worldwide! You have created a wonderful magazine that connects the Warrington community, whilst keeping us up to date on all of the local news and happenings. We know how hard you work and thank you for all that you do!
Happy Birthday Warrington Worldwide and here is to many more!”
Holly Pirrie, Director Pageant Girl LtdHolly Pirrie at The Dress Studio
