Founded in 1985 by former journalist, ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, the group has grown to be a global business operating across several sectors. Today, we're recognised for our outstanding multi-platform digital and print media, powerful insights, innovative exhibitions and events, prestigious awards and informative conferences.
Content is key to everything we do. That's why our organisation prides itself on solving problems for its clients, fuelling passions and inspiring new conversations. Our success is fuelled by our entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and in-depth market expertise. We are driven by our company values and, above all, believe in conducting business in the right way — with honesty, fairness and integrity.
ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø is a publisher and author. He is the Chairman of the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group, which he started in 1985.
Educated at Bryanston School, Dorset, Mark graduated in Social Studies at Durham University before starting a career in journalism. He was a reporter on the Sheffield Star, moving three years later to the Daily Express in Manchester, first as an investigative reporter and then as a news and features sub-editor.
In 1974, he became the launch editor of Reed Business Information’s magazine, Community Care, now a workflow resource for busy social workers, which ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø now owns. Three years later, he was appointed editor of Nursing Mirror. In 1983, he won the Professional Publishers Association’s Editor of the Year award at the same time as Nursing Mirror was adjudged the Business Magazine of the Year and won the Campaign of the Year accolade.
After a stint as a ‘publisher’ for RBI, Mark moved to International Thomson to take up a similar position in a new medical division, which he headed. Less than 18 months later, he did a management buyout involving two medical journals and launched his own company.
He is a published author and poet. His first novel, , a story of abuse, revenge, resolution and forgiveness, was published in 2021 to glowing reviews. It is available on amazon.co.uk in both print and digital form. He has contributed three of his poems in a recently published collection of poetry, The Covid Years. His second novel, , was published in 2024.
In 2023, he was awarded an honorary doctorate at Richmond American University in London, with which university he has been associated for more than 12 years.
Ben Allen is the Chief Executive Officer of the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group. Ben joined the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group in 2005 as commercial director, following a career as a corporate lawyer at Linklaters and US law firm, Hunton & Williams. He has held several management positions at the group, including MD of MA Education, MD of MA Healthcare and Chief Operating Officer, before he became Chief Executive Officer in April 2012. Ben has a degree in Industrial Economics from Nottingham University and a Graduate Diploma in Law from City, University of London. He is passionate about playing and watching sport, and is a supporter of Fulham Football Club.
Living our values
"As the CEO of the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group, I believe passionately in providing an environment in which people can thrive and achieve their potential. We are a family owned, entrepreneurial, business, albeit with a team of over 500, which is acknowledged as being one of the UK's leading independent media communication companies.
"Our business is in providing quality information to specialist communities. We do this in a number of ways: in print, through our 100+ magazines and journals; digitally, through our cutting-edge workflow tools and digital products; and in person, through the 200 or so events we organise on five continents every year.
"What sets our company apart is the range of sectors in which we operate. We have market-leading brands in areas ranging from healthcare to farming; from engineering to education; and from social care to music, with many more in between. The diversity of our portfolio means that we are not hostage to the fortune of any particular sector.
"There is no glass ceiling at the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group. If you have drive and ambition, we will provide you with a platform to help you flourish."
There's no glass ceiling at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, many of our directors began their journey in other areas of the business and got here through passion and determination. We think they're quite an inspiring bunch...
Jon Benson is the chief operating officer of the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group, having previously been the managing director of MA Business and MA Healthcare.
In his current position he has operational control for the MA Business & MA Education divisions and oversees the integration of all new brand acquisitions into the company.
Jon joined the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group in 2004 as sales executive of SecEd. Since this time, Jon has worked in management roles in several areas of the group, including as group commercial director.
Anna joined ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø as Group Chief Operating Officer in May 2026. She is responsible for digital and AI enablement, unlocking the value of the group’s data, and helping to shape and deliver strategy across the business to drive sustainable growth, transformation and long-term performance. A central part of her role is strengthening the foundations needed for ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø to scale successfully, bringing people and teams together around shared priorities while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and specialist expertise that distinguish the group.
Anna was formerly Group Chief Strategy Officer at international business consultancy Instinctif Partners. She has previously held senior leadership roles spanning innovation, brand development, digital transformation and strategic communications, working with global businesses and organisations to navigate change, strengthen their brands and reputations, unlock growth and develop new capabilities and revenue streams.
Anna has a degree in English Literature and Philosophy from the University of York and was previously named in Management Today’s 35 Women Under 35. She is passionate about bringing people and technology together to build high-performing cultures and help businesses evolve. Outside work, Anna is particularly interested in supporting female founders to start and grow businesses, especially at moments of significant personal or professional transition.
Brian joined the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group in October 2001 when it purchased its head office in Herne Hill, London and acquired an office furniture interiors company, which it subsequently closed.
Brian worked as an accountant for this division as well as for one of the group's subsidiaries. In 2005, Brian became chief accountant for the group before moving into his current position of group financial director in 2012.
Katina joined the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group in 1989, having previously worked at the BBC. She has been involved in various aspects of publishing and event organisation during the group's development, including new initiatives and acquisitions, and takes a special interest in its people.
As operations director, Katina takes an active role in supporting the management team as well as managing the facilities, operational and business requirements of the group.
Ravi Chandiramani is the Managing Director of MA Education. Ravi joined ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø in October 2011 as part of an acquisition from Haymarket Media Group, where he worked as a journalist and editor for 12 years across publications in business, marketing and children's services.
During his time at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, he has progressed from editor to publisher, publishing director and MD. The education division comprises leading brands in the early years, teaching and social care sectors. Ravi is also responsible for promoting editorial skills and standards across the group.
Dan Smith is the Managing Director of MA Agriculture, including flagship brand Farmers Weekly. In February 2020, he was part of the leadership team responsible for the sale of Farmers Weekly to ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø.
Prior to joining, Dan held various commercial roles at RELX Group with brands including New Scientist, Estates Gazette and Community Care. Following further acquisitions of brands, including Pig World and Poultry Business, he is responsible for developing and executing on a strategy to create a sustainable and profitable future for the business.
Rob is MD of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Healthcare, incorporating MA Dentistry Media and has been with the company since the beginning of 2023. Rob has held senior positions in a career spanning over 20 years in healthcare publishing and events.
He has experience working across multiple product portfolios, in global and UK markets and has a passion for blending traditional print and digital formats, to maximise product growth and development.
He believes in empowering the MAH teams he works with, maximising their ability to deliver effective educational outputs that change and improve clinical outcomes in practice.
Matt, Managing Director of MA Financial Media/MAG Digital Resources, has enjoyed a nearly 25-year career in B2B media and events. Starting in advertising sales, he became publishing director at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø during the digital disruption. Seeing opportunity in the shift, he led marketing and digital transformation while the company embarked on a 10-year acquisition spree, learning from media companies like Haymarket, EMAP, and Elsevier. Matt has built multi-million-pound digital platforms, integrated e-commerce, subscription, marketing, and advertising systems, and has a passion for monetising B2B digital and data. He also enjoys sports, family, and walking his beagle.
Tim Willoughby is the Managing Director of MA Exhibitions. Tim joined ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø in 2020, having previously been the COO of Ocean Media Group.
Tim brings over 20 years of experience in media and events with a strong track record of building business success through the creation and continued development of high-performing teams within entrepreneurial and motivational cultures. From Education and Law, to Technology and Retail, Tim's career has spanned many sectors, and he has worked for FTSE 100, P.E. backed, and privately owned businesses.
The wife of Mark and the mother of Ben, Sue has been instrumental in the success of the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group since the family company was formed in 1985. A graduate in French and German at Durham University, where she met Mark, Sue had a rewarding career in education, first teaching languages in secondary schools and then as a primary school teacher.
Sue was a trustee of Farms for City Children, a charity founded by the author Sir Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare.
Peter is a non-executive director of the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group and the former chief executive of Informa Plc. During his 30-year tenure with Informa, which became a quoted company in 1998, Peter oversaw spectacular growth, with revenues increasing from £50 million to £1.2 billion. It is now an established FTSE 100 company.
After leaving Informa at the end of 2013, Peter has taken on a number of non-executive positions. A graduate in economics from Manchester University and a qualified accountant, Peter is a sports enthusiast, in particular rugby and cricket.
Keith Gapp is presently a consultant across a range of activities, and a partner of M&A boutique, Caurus Partners. From 2007-2015, he was a member of the Executive Committee of EFG International, a listed private bank, responsible for strategy, marketing, and communications. Prior to this, from 1999, he was the founder and managing partner of a strategy consulting boutique, GMQ. ‎This followed 13 years with Barclays Bank, where he undertook a number of business management, finance, and corporate banking roles. Keith read economics at King's College, University of Cambridge.
Our Next Gen Board serves as a vital platform for young professionals within ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø to voice their insights, contribute to strategic initiatives, and drive meaningful, positive change.
After nearly two years at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group, I’m excited to help drive meaningful change across the business through the Next Gen Board. I’m looking forward to collaborating with colleagues I might not otherwise have the opportunity to work with and helping bring new initiatives to life that benefit everyone while reflecting our values of nurturing, passion, fairness and creativity.
Where did you last go on holiday?
I took a trip to the Baltics with my boyfriend. We visited Vilnius, Riga, Parnu (cheap spa destination), Tallinn and finished in Helsinki on my birthday. My favourite was Talinn - I loved the colourful houses, cobbled streets, the picturesque skyline and the general buzz.
Where's the best place you ever went with your parents, and what did you do there? 
The Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. They were majestic! My brother and I ziplined over the falls and visited a crocodile farm where we held baby crocodiles.
Since joining MA Business through ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group's recent acquisition, I've been impressed by the company's genuine commitment to investing in its people and future growth. That's what makes me excited to be part of the Next Gen Board. I'm looking forward to contributing to the business's future while expanding my network, developing new skills, and gaining a broader understanding of how the wider organisation operates beyond my commercial role within the Road Division. 
What is your favourite TV show of all time and why?
The Inbetweeners! Pure nostalgia from my teenage years and no matter how many times I watch it, I still laugh at the same scenes.
Favourite sport?
Golf. Golf fanatic. I’m on the course at least twice a week and a big Tommy Fleetwood fan.
I first joined ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group on the graduate scheme in 2023, originally writing for The Engineer before being promoted to editor of Machinery magazine in 2024. I love the idea of sharing my perspective as an early career journalist through the Next Gen Board, gaining more of an understanding of how a large publishing business works, and hopefully helping to steer it towards a better future. I’m really looking forward to developing my knowledge and skills, and working with the rest of the Board!
What did you do before you joined the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group?
I spent a season in Méribel, France training to become a qualified ski instructor!
What is the best thing about your job?
I get to travel a lot, meet a whole range of interesting people and cover so many amazing topics – from Formula One and AI, to how the brightest engineers are building the world’s largest magnetic fusion reactor. No two weeks are ever the same!
I oversee digital campaigns and classified listings for Commercial Motor, Motor Transport and Transport News, working closely with clients to build strong relationships and help them achieve their advertising goals.
Having recently joined ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group as part of the acquisition from DVV Media International, I wanted to join the Next Gen Board to learn more about the wider business, its culture and how different teams work together. It felt like a great opportunity to meet new people across the company, share ideas, learn from others and better integrate into the business.
Tell us about your hobbies and interests
I enjoy all things art and design. I like to unwind by drawing, attending art classes and fitting in the occasional gallery visit. My next trip is to the Schiaparelli exhibition at the V&A.
Are you a good cook? What is your favourite cuisine??
I'd say so! I love trying new recipes and am most confident cooking Thai food, having learned many dishes from my Thai grandmother and father.
Having worked across both commercial and events roles at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group, I'm really excited to be part of the Next Gen Board. It's a great opportunity to work with colleagues from across the business, share fresh ideas, and play a part in shaping the future of the company. I'm looking forward to learning from different teams, expanding my network, and making a positive impact beyond my day-to-day role.
Where did you last go on holiday?
My last holiday was my honeymoon in Crete with my husband. It was pure heaven - beautiful beaches, complete relaxation and, of course, incredible food. I'm already trying to work out when we can go back!
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I was born in Lewisham but spent much of my childhood growing up in Paris. Having a south-east London dad and a Parisian mum made for a pretty unique upbringing and gave me the best of both worlds. ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø was always full of great food, family, and a good house music vinyl playing in the background.
I joined ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group in 2024 as an event executive and moved onto the graduate scheme last year as an assistant editor in MA Healthcare. I’m thrilled to be part of this year’s Next Gen Board and look forward to meeting new people, learning about different parts of the company and hopefully helping to implement new and exciting initiatives within the company.
What is your favourite sport?
Rugby! I spend most of my time outside of work playing and training at Beckenham RFC. I’ve played since I was 14 and have recently had the pleasure of running as vice-captain for some of our fixtures.
What’s your favourite TV show of all time and why?
It’s got to be Peep Show, I think it gets funnier every time I rewatch it. Hilarious, whacky and extremally relatable! 
After working at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Group for six years, I'm excited to be part Next Generation Board. It's a chance to really make my mark on where our company is heading. I'm looking forward to expanding my network, developing skills, and understanding how our business works beyond just my editorial role. It's the perfect opportunity to contribute to meaningful changes and I can't wait to see what we do.
Where did you last go on holiday?
I recently got back from a trip to Thailand and I’m already missing the sunshine and the food.
Where were you born?
I was born in London and moved to Kent when I was 11.
Three years into my time at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, and I'm joining the Next Gen Board. For me, it's a genuine opportunity to contribute beyond my day-to-day: bringing a fresh perspective to strategic decisions, connecting with colleagues across the business I wouldn't normally cross paths with, and helping shape where MAG goes next. Less talking about change, more actually making it happen.
Do you believe in zodiac signs?
The stars have spoken, and as a true Aries, I am boldly destined to lead, fiercely independent, and cosmically driven by an inner fire that no other sign could possibly understand. My celestial ram energy means I approach every challenge with pioneering courage, and frankly, anyone who questions this simply hasn't aligned their chakras with Mercury's latest transit. I will say no more, because my horoscope this morning told me to "choose my words carefully around sceptics." The universe works in mysterious ways.
If you could take a year off and go travelling, where would it be?
Southern Argentina to Antarctica. I want to stand at the end of the world in Ushuaia, watch the land give way to the Drake Passage, and keep going until there is nothing left but ice, silence, and the occasional bewildered penguin. It is about as far from a spreadsheet as this planet allows.
I am excited to be a part of the Next Gen Board and contribute to shaping a positive and collaborative company culture. People at work are passionate and talented, and I am looking forward to bringing people’s skills to life through creative and fresh ideas. This is also a chance for me to learn from colleagues across the business, build new relationships and create something meaningful together.
What is your favourite weekend activity?
Building a Lego set in my room, followed by a spin class.
What's your earliest memory?
Making up my own werewolf stories and narrating it to my family (who were then subjected to my Q&A session afterwards).
In my current role, I work in the Agriculture division (notable Farmers Weekly) as Senior Marketing Exec for our events & projects. Being on the Next Gen Board is an exciting opportunity to get to know new people around the business and make positive change.
If you could live in any period of history, when would it be?
I'm not sure any period of history was great for women, but I'd love to try my hand at being a Lady of the Manor in the early 1800s, swanning around doing needlework and other important tasks in a fashionable gown.
What song gets stuck in your head most often?
"In the Mood" by Glenn Miller. It was the backing track to a gymnastics routine I did at the age of 8 and it's been playing on loop inside my head ever since.
We our proud of our history and the difference we have made to the many markets we operate within. From just two magazines to a diverse range of media, information and events organisations operating in markets ranging from healthcare to agriculture; from engineering to education; and from aviation and travel retail to music, with many more in between, we really have come far. Take a look through our timeline to see how we got here.