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Newspaper sales boss: ‘It feels like I’m coming home’

Sharon Dewey Sales Manager Andover Newspaper

The team at Love Andover are pleased to announce an exciting new appointment.

As the second issue of the Love Andover Observer rolled off the presses, the former Sales Manager for the Andover Advertiser has confirmed she is joining the growing team on Andover’s upper high street.

Sharon will be managing the sales operation of the community-focused free newspaper and will have more than a hand in the delivery of client messages on the radio, online, on our 48-sheet billboard and across our social media network.

Referring to the unmissable Love Andover colours, an excited Sharon said, “Forget red, we are painting this beautiful town pink”.

The Love Andover Observer is a fortnightly free newspaper available across north west Hampshire.

“I am so excited and honoured to be joining the Love Andover family and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”

Sharon who has lived in Andover for 30 years worked at the Andover Advertiser for 8 of those years and says businesses should take advantage of the current efficiency of marketing opportunity, “There is now just one place you can go for print, broadcast, out of home and online marketing.

“We have weathered hard times before and what experience has taught me is that when we hit recessions we need to support local business by ensuring we provide quality platforms for them to advertise.

“Investment in marketing will ensure the survival of the fittest in this trying time by increasing market share, keeping your business in people thoughts and it also gives a confidence.”

Research shows that running a radio advertising campaign alongside a press advertising campaign limits readers from ‘editing out’ adverts in local press, meaning businesses’ advertising spend works harder. Using the digital opportunities available to local businesses means they may spend less to achieve a larger audience online, too.

Steve Lucy, Group Managing Director for the Observer Media Group says, “I am delighted that Sharon is the latest addition to the team and am very much looking forward to working with her.

“The combination of Sharon’s sales experience and passion for supporting local businesses and is an invaluable combination as we continue to grow the Love Andover brand”.

The ‘loud and proud’ 49-year old ‘mother hen’ of 7 children adds, “I have worked in the media arena for the last 13 years and love the thrill and satisfaction of seeing a community paper doing what it does best, serving the local community.

Sharon also runs Handmade By Shazzies, a bespoke cake baker for weddings, birthdays or ‘just because’ occasions. The cake company has been around for nearly four 4 years and is a fully-insured, ‘Hygiene 5’ rated company.

Sharon concludes, “I love Andover, its people, the town and its community spirit.

“I feel like I’m coming home”.

To discuss advertising opportunities at the Love Andover Observer with Sharon, please email here.

About the author

David Harber

David Harber is the founder and Managing Director of Love Andover, including the Love Andover Observer newspaper and 95.9FM Andover Radio. He is a fellow at the Royal Society of Arts and a card carrying member of the Nation Union of Journalists.