Founded in 1985 by former journalist, »»ÆÞÂÛ̳, 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.
»»ÆÞÂÛ̳ is a publisher and author. He is the Chairman of the »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳. Ben joined the »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 a supporter of Fulham Football Club.
Living our values
"As the CEO of the »»ÆÞÂÛ̳, 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 in 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳. If you have drive and ambition, we will provide you with a platform to help you flourish."
There's no glass ceiling at »»ÆÞÂÛ̳, 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳, 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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.
Brian joined the »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳, 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳.
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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 of 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 monetizing B2B digital and data. He also enjoys sports, family, and walking his beagle.
Tim Willoughby is the Managing Director of MA Exhibitions. Tim joined »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ 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 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 »»ÆÞÂÛ̳ to voice their insights, contribute to strategic initiatives, and drive meaningful, positive change.