Prolific North has entered a new chapter following its acquisition by RM Communications Ltd, capping off a record-breaking year of audience growth and operational performance for the North’s leading creative, media and tech publisher.
The deal sees the investment vehicle take a majority stake in the business and signals an ambitious new phase for the company, alongside the appointment of award-winning broadcaster and former Granada TV board director Rob McLoughlin OBE as chairman.
The acquisition marks a strategic milestone for the company as it prepares for an ambitious 2026 expansion. It also concludes the 13-year tenure of founding chairman Mark Dickinson. Dickinson, a former executive of Trinity Mirror newspapers and former editor of the Liverpool Echo, has guided Prolific North from its launch to its current position as the definitive voice for the North’s creative and tech sectors.
The acquisition comes as Prolific North celebrates its strongest year on record. In 2025, the brand delivered its largest audience ever, surpassing one million unique users for the first time and strengthening its competitive position within the UK’s creative, media and tech sectors. The site recorded 1.5m unique users and 2.5m page views in 2025, comfortably exceeding previous records. Page views were up 36% year-on-year, while unique users surged by 66%, marking 2025 as one of the strongest traffic years in the company’s 13-year history.
“I am delighted to be handing over the reins at such an exciting time for the company,” said Mark Dickinson. “This acquisition by RM Communications is a powerful vote of confidence in what we have built. It allows me to stand down knowing the platform has the leadership and strategic backing to reach its next stage of growth. I wish Rob and the team every success.”
The new era is defined by continuity and commitment from the existing leadership team. Managing director Alexandra Balazs, who has led the company since January 2022, and commercial director Ben Waterhouse, who joined in 2024, both remain in post and retain significant stakes in the business.
Rob McLoughlin OBE takes the reins bringing a wealth of experience as Granada/ITV’s longest-serving political host and a former advisor to Granada Media Group. A veteran of the BAFTA-winning investigative series World in Action and an original presenter on BBC Radio 5 Live, McLoughlin has been a contributor to Prolific North since its founding.
“Mark hands over at a landmark moment,” said McLoughlin. “This majority acquisition by RM Communications is designed to fuel Prolific North’s development as a multi-platform media powerhouse. With Alexandra and Ben continuing as key shareholders and leaders, we have the perfect blend of experience and ambition to strengthen our offering as the primary champion for the Northern creative economy.”
As part of the restructure, founder Nick Jaspan will transition to a role as advisor to the board, focusing on exploring new opportunities and growth sectors.
“I want to thank Mark for his support and advice since 2013,” said Jaspan. “With the strategic backing of RM Communications, Rob’s chairmanship, and the continued commitment of our leadership team, we are perfectly positioned to pursue new and exciting opportunities in 2026.”
