Asian Standard newspaper has launched a new edition to cover the Leeds area.
The free weekly print title carries news and features targeted mainly at a local South Asian readership and the Leeds edition has been added in response to popular demand.
Published by RF Publishing Ltd, it is the fourth regional edition, along with Bradford where the company was first established in 2011, and more recent additions in Kirklees and the North East.
It will be available every Monday from major supermarkets as well as from leading Asian stores and Leeds businesses and can also be delivered on subscription to readers’ homes. The growth has created two new jobs, for an additional reporter and delivery driver.
Managing editor Fatima Patel said: “We’ve held back for a while from going into Leeds, because, as a large regional hub, it’s very well served by media outlets, including some long-established major titles. But fans of our newspapers have been persistently pressing us for a Leeds edition, saying that what they want is the sense of belonging that’s generated by our family of publications.
“Now we’ve responded to the demand and brought out the new edition, we’re delighted with the results. There are 32 pages of news, information and features about the local Leeds community and we’ve got some very exciting stories planned.”
Sabeena Din, director of Milson Legal solicitors in Leeds has been asking for a Leeds edition for two years, so she was delighted to hear of the launch. She said: “I am so glad you are coming into Leeds. We’re missing a newspaper that speaks specifically for our community. I am looking forward to reading and contributing to the newspaper.”
Luke Patel, partner and head of the commercial dispute resolution team at Blacks Solicitors LLP in Leeds said: “I’ve been proud to be part of the newspaper’s journey and have seen how it has become a well-recognised and respected publication in the local Asian communities. I’ve shared its vision and ethos from the outset and have been truly inspired by its progression and development, in particular, its online presence and global reach.
“The Leeds edition is the natural and obvious next progression to provide a unique platform and forum for business and wider communities, to enable news and experiences to be shared and for the creation of opportunities through connections. I am inspired and excited by the launch. It could not have come at a better time.”
The Asian Standard Leeds edition will be available from Asda stores in Pudsey, Crown Point Killingbeck and Beeston Old Lane; Sainsbury’s in the White Rose and Moor Allerton shopping centres; Tesco on Roundhay Road and Seacroft; and Morrisons in the Merrion centre and Harehills.
The newspaper group was born in Bradford in 2011 with the launch of Asian Sunday, the UK’s first free Sunday newspaper, which has now become a fully digital platform. Initially aimed specifically at the South Asian community, it grew over the last nine years to become an integral part of Bradford’s other diverse communities, rated among the most trusted and loyally-read publications.
Following on from the Kirkees, North East, and now Leeds, launches, there are plans to expand into a further six cities by 2025.
