Gosport MP visits rapidly expanding media firm

The government minister took a tour of Blackball Media, which was launched by James Baggott eight years ago – from a desk in his conservatory.

The firm, based at QinetiQ’s Haslar Marine Technology Park, in Haslar Road, now employs up to 30 people and works with some of the biggest names in the automotive world.

It produces industry titles for the motor trade, including the award-winning Car Dealer magazine and Workshop, as well as fun motoring website SuperUnleaded.com.

The company, which has an expanding PR and video department, also organises an annual automotive conference and expo at Silverstone 
– the biggest motor trade event of its kind held in the UK.

Ms Dinenage said: ‘It’s remarkable to think that a company tucked away in a corner of Gosport is such a big player in the automotive world, doing business with the country’s leading 
car manufacturers and brands.

‘Gosport, and the wider country as a whole, needs successful companies like this to boost the economy and bolster employment.’

During her visit Ms Dinenage was taken on the tour of the office and met some of the team of expert writers, designers and videographers.

Ms Dinenage said it was important there were more businesses like Blackball Media in Gosport to retain jobs in the town and so reducing congestion on the A32.

Mr Baggott said: ‘We’re grateful to Caroline Dinenage for taking some time out of her busy schedule to visit our offices to see what we do.

‘Being a Gosport boy, I knew I wanted to base the business in my home town.

‘Now we have major automotive brands coming down to Gosport on a weekly basis.

‘We’ve got big plans for the future which means even more rapid growth.”