Much-praised Leeds Guide folds after 15 years, another victim of hard times

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/feb/29/leedsguide-closure-manchester

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It was once a symbol of a confident and thriving city, an independent publishing company flying in the face of mainstream publishers as Leeds enjoyed an economic boom.

But in these more troubled economic times it's been confirmed that the Leeds Guide – the city's oldest established 'what's on' magazine - has gone into administration and ceased printing after 15 years.

The Leeds Guide was an entertainment, events, arts and culture magazine for West Yorkshire. Starting out as an A5 part-colour magazine, it soon established itself and grew into valued Leeds institution.

It was aimed at young professionals aged 16-35 and was printed fortnightly until last year, when it moved to being monthly. Leeds Guide Limited also produced Plush magazine, among others, for the 'affluent, sophisticated and stylish, high spending individuals' in Harrogate.

Staff apparently cleared their desks on Friday with no opportunity to produce a final issue of the magazine. A source from the company told the Guardian Northerner that a struggle to find advertising revenues and declining sales were mainly to blame, alongside the costs of printing.

Editor Tom Goodhand said today he didn't want to comment on the closure, but tweeted:

Thanks for all your messages over the last few days. It's true, Leeds Guide Ltd has ceased trading prior to going into administration. It's a sad time for us all at Leeds Guide, and we'd like to thank all our readers, staff, writers and anyone else who's ever worked with us. Our last issue should still be lurking around Leeds until mid-March, so if you want a memento, head out to your local newsagent.

It's unclear how many people have lost their jobs as a result of the closure. The news has been met with shock on Twitter. Tweets from readers include:

@jackcevans: "Awfully sad that @LeedsGuide has ceased trading. Hopefully the website will live on. Symbol of a vibrant city now gone." @BookElfLeeds: "I chuffing LOVE the @leedsguide, all my work libraries get it, cannot believe it's going! [My] interview with them was the highlight of '11!" @Jlverity: "@tomas311 @Simon_OH @Ali_Schofield Leeds will be so much the poorer without you. @LeedsGuide has fostered a lot of talent in its time." @vervewords: "The news about @leedsguide shows it can happen to any publication, even a popular, respected one. If you love them, show them your support."

Martin Wainwright notes: The Guardian's award-winning Leeds blog - which itself sadly ended last year - partnered with Leeds Guide, with guest posts and news feeds from both organisations appearing on each other's websites.

The Guide also produced one of the best maps ever made of Leeds city centre, running it every week.