“Our core mission is to strengthen communications and the sharing of quality information within the UK gun trade…”
Launching Gun Trade Insider: A Conversation with Publisher Simon K. Barr on Championing Print in the Digital Age
As we celebrate the launch of our inaugural issue, we had the opportunity to sit down with our Publisher, Simon K. Barr, to discuss the vision behind the establishment of a new print trade magazine dedicated to the UK gun trade. Simon details the unique position of Gun Trade Insider (GTI) within our market, the resurgence of interest in tactile media among professionals, and the imperative role of specialised journalism in promoting a well-informed industry.
Gun Trade Insider: As we launch our first issue, could you share a little about your background and what led you to create and take on the role of publisher of GTI?
Simon K. Barr (SKB): I’d like to reflect on the journey that led us to the first issue of Gun Trade Insider. At Fieldsports Press, we are proud to operate Europe’s largest fieldsports media group. The decision to launch GTI came naturally after key individuals from the UK gun trade expressed a strong need to fill the void of a dedicated business-to-business (B2B) publication. Their calls highlighted the vital role such a platform could play in nurturing a robust and well-informed UK industry.
Over the past number of years, we’ve expanded our portfolio, acquiring 14 consumer media brands from five different publishers including: The Shooting Times, Rifle Shooter, Sporting Gun and Airgun World, amongst others. In addition to these sector-specific acquisitions, GTI marks our second major launch following the success of Gundog Journal in 2019. We are no strangers to launching quality print. We recognise the distinct preference within the UK gun trade for a printed periodical—where the tactile nature of the product is not just a preference but often a necessity. This format respects and enhances the tradition of craftsmanship and direct communication that is essential in the UK gun trade and in some cases, legally required.
Underpinning this, I am as much a participant in the sector as I am a professional, having been lucky enough to work in the UK sector for over 17 years. I am a lifelong shooter and passionate hunter with a Capra World Slam under my belt and have competed internationally in several separate rifle disciplines over the years. I hold an RFD and understand the complexities and nuances of the UK gun trade as much as our readers do. I hope this will be evident from the topics we cover and the specialists we will engage with.
GTI: What is the core mission of GTI, and how do you envision it impacting the UK’s hunting and shooting industry?
SKB: Our core mission is to strengthen communications and the sharing of quality information within the UK gun trade by providing a dedicated platform for news, support, opinions, reviews, and crucial information on legislation and regulation. By servicing industry professionals, GTI aims to foster and network a more cohesive and thriving community. We envision GTI as a pivotal resource that enhances the efficiency and innovation of the UK gun trade, ultimately contributing to its growth and sustainability. This will not only support businesses but also ensure that the traditions and practices in the UK are preserved and advanced in a responsible and progressive manner.
GTI: What unique perspectives do we aim to bring to our readers through our content?
SKB: We aim to focus on the nuanced aspects of the UK gun and shooting industry. Our content deep dives into regulatory and legislative changes, detailed market trends, and innovative product reviews. We also feature profiles of significant figures and businesses driving the industry forward. Our partnership with the Gun Trade Association (GTA) ensures that we bring authoritative, well-informed viewpoints from subject matter experts that are crucial for industry professionals as well as support that will help to keep all readers on the right side of anything the need to know.
GTI: What are some of the current challenges facing our industry, and how will our magazine address these through its features and editorial approach?
SKB: The UK gun trade faces challenges like regulatory changes, economic fluctuations, and shifts in consumer preferences. GTI addresses these issues by providing comprehensive coverage, expert analysis, and timely updates that help our readers navigate these complexities by providing support and information. Our editorial approach is centred on delivering actionable insights that empower businesses to adapt and thrive amidst these challenges. We will focus on the positives and remind readers what huge opportunities there still are in UK.
GTI: Who is our primary audience, and how have we tailored our content to meet their specific needs and interests?
SKB: Our primary audience consists of firearm dealers, gun shops, shooting grounds, manufacturers, and other associated industry professionals across the UK. We tailor our content to meet their specific needs. This targeted approach ensures that our readers receive relevant, valuable information that directly impacts their businesses and operational strategies.
GTI: What mechanisms have we put in place to ensure ongoing engagement and dialogue with our readers?
SKB: The flagship print title will be complimented by a robust online presence with a weekly newsletter and a dynamic newsfeed on our website. Additionally, our printed magazine encourages reader interaction through the more gun friendly social media platform LinkedIn, which is well-suited for professional networking and discussions.
GTI: In a digital age, what strategies are we implementing to ensure our magazine remains relevant and accessible to both traditional and digital audiences?
SKB: While clearly embracing the tangible benefits of print, we will also leverage digital to enhance accessibility, speed of messages and relevance. Our strategies include a digital newsfeed, active engagement on LinkedIn, and in time a free downloadable app. This hybrid approach allows us to reach a broader audience, react faster to breaking news while catering to those who prefer the physicality and detailed visuals of print media.
GTI: Can you talk about our industry partnerships that will enhance our magazine’s content and reach?
SKB: We are very proud that GTI is the official journal of The Gun Trade Association and will offer relevant information and support to not only GTA members, but the wider industry for the benefit of a prosperous and thriving UK gun trade. This key partnership will enhance our content’s credibility, authority, trust and reach. This collaboration provides us with insider access to the latest developments and ensure that our content remains at the forefront of industry news and trends. This partnership also broadens our distribution network, increasing our magazine’s visibility and influence within the industry.
GTI: How do these collaborations help us stay at the forefront of industry developments?
SKB: By working closely with industry leaders and organisations, we gain early insights and authoritative content that keep our readers informed and prepared for industry shifts. These partnerships are instrumental in maintaining our status as the only dedicated printed B2B publication in the UK gun trade.
GTI: How important is reader feedback to our editorial process, and how can readers contribute their views and insights to our magazine?
SKB: Feedback is crucial to our editorial process and it will help us fine-tune our content to better meet the needs of our audience. Readers can contribute their views and insights through our website, LinkedIn and direct communications like email to the editor. We actively encourage such interactions to ensure our content remains relevant and valuable to our readership.
