Founded in 1985 by former journalist, Mark Allen, 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 鈥� with honesty, fairness and integrity.
Mark Allen is a publisher and author. He is the Chairman of the UU裸聊直播 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鈥檚 magazine, Community Care, now a workflow resource for busy social workers, which Mark Allen now owns. Three years later he was appointed editor of Nursing Mirror. In 1983 he won the Professional Publishers Association鈥檚 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 鈥榩ublisher鈥� 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 UU裸聊直播. Ben joined the UU裸聊直播 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 UU裸聊直播, 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 UU裸聊直播. If you have drive and ambition, we will provide you with a platform to help you flourish."
There's no glass ceiling at Mark Allen, 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 UU裸聊直播, 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 UU裸聊直播 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 UU裸聊直播 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 UU裸聊直播 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 Mark Allen 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 Mark Allen, 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 Mark Allen.
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 Mark Allen 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 Mark Allen 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 Mark Allen 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 UU裸聊直播 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 UU裸聊直播 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 拢50 million to 拢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. 鈥嶵his 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 Mark Allen to voice their insights, contribute to strategic initiatives, and drive meaningful, positive change.
I joined Mark Allen in 2021 on the graduate scheme, where I had the opportunity to work in both the Dartford and London offices. After six months, I started a role in the Digital Resources team, which focuses on launching digital products to boost organic growth across the business. Throughout my time as Head of Communities and Products in Digital Resources, I focused on driving audience engagement and growth through launching and growing communities and other data-driven products. My favourite thing about this role was the opportunity to work with so many different teams and colleagues across the business. I have recently moved into the MA Financial Media team where I am taking on a new challenge as Business Development Manager. I'm really excited about growing my knowledge and understanding of this industry.
In addition to this role, I am Co-Chair of the MA Foundation, helping facilitate company fundraising activity, and now Chair of the Next Gen Board. I'm really proud of the work the Next Gen Board has done so far around Al, sustainability and company culture.
What's your favourite sport?
Tennis, I could watch it all day every day. RIP Rafa's golden era. Retirement goals would be to follow the tennis tour around the world.
What song will always get you on the dancefloor?
At the moment, anything by Chappell Roan, but in general The 1975, Oasis or Willie J Healey (#edgy) will do the trick!
Nandita is a Senior Marketing Executive at Farmers Weekly, where she also contributes to the successful delivery of awards and events across MA Agriculture.
With a background in Management and a specialisation in Marketing from the University of Warwick, she developed a strong interest in identifying attributes that make brands stand out and how consumer behaviour shapes engagement. Outside of work, Nandita enjoys exploring London's hidden gems and is always up for a new dance class 鈥� salsa is next on the list!
What is the best thing about your job?
I've been able to work on combination of niche and large-scale events 鈥� and explore England's countryside!
If you could take a year off and go travelling, where would it be and why?
I'd plan my own Eat, Pray, Love adventure. First stop: Italy 鈥� to indulge in pasta and embrace la dolce far niente (the sweet art of doing nothing). Next would be India, to reconnect with my roots, dive into meditation, and maybe learn how to actually sit still. I'd wrap it all up in Bali, where I'd recharge and chase waterfalls.
I am the Subscriptions Manager at UU裸聊直播, with 13 years of experience at the company. I collaborate across all publications within the group, working closely with the Marketing & Development teams.
I hope to contribute to the long-term goals of the business through collaborating with different departments to strengthen and diversify my skill set.
Give three words that describe you?
Excel-ent, chatty, sillygoose.
What's your favourite TV show of all time and why?
Friends 鈥� it will always be funny to me and it's always on in my house.
I began my career at UU裸聊直播 in 2015 as a Production Assistant, where I gained comprehensive experience across a wide range of our publications. My responsibilities included supporting print and digital advertising, creating bespoke emailers, and managing logistical tasks.
In 2019, I transitioned to the role of Graphic Designer for the Critical Communications Portfolio, which encompasses鈥疞and Mobile,鈥疌ritical Communications Today, and the鈥疊APCO Journal. I was responsible for the overall design and visual presentation of the magazines, collaborating closely with the editorial team to communicate complex topics in a visually engaging manner.
In 2023, I seized the opportunity to join the newly established MA Audio and Visuals team as a Photographer. This role allowed me to merge my design expertise with a long-standing passion for photography. Our team's primary focus is to capture high-quality content at over 200 conferences, exhibitions, and events that the company organises annually.
I am currently a member of the Next Gen Board, where I am leveraging my 10 years of experience with the company to offer valuable insights and contribute to shaping the future direction of the business.
I work within the Operations team at MA Exhibitions, where I am responsible for the end-to-end organisation of a variety of conferences and exhibitions that target a range of specialised industries. I have been with UU裸聊直播 for nearly 4 years and I am delighted to be part of the next-generation board. This opportunity allows us to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the company. Collaborating with a group of individuals across different areas of the business enables us to explore new ways to improve processes and enhance workplace culture. It's exciting to have a platform where our voices are heard and valued, and I'm eager to contribute to shaping a forward-thinking future for the company.
What's your guilty pleasure?
Not starting a new series and just re-watching all 20 seasons of Grey's Anatomy for the 5th time.
Is there anything on your bucket list?
To bungee jump in New Zealand.
I've been with the UU裸聊直播 since 2017. I started out working on Nursery World before moving over to the Community Care team at the start of 2020. I'm now the Senior Client Partner for Community Care Inform.
My reasoning for joining the Next Gen Board was because I think there are so many fresh and innovative ideas coming from colleagues across the business who are earlier in their careers and who I otherwise wouldn't usually have the same opportunities to speak with. I'm really interested to learn from them and explore how MAG can continue to grow and evolve by listening to a wide range of perspectives.
If you were a ghost, who or where would you haunt?
David Cameron. He has known too much peace. Or the person at Netflix who decided to cancel GLOW before the last series 鈥� it's been five years and I'm still bitter about it.
What's the worst job you've ever had?
Working in an ice-cream parlour in a train station during the height of summer starting at 5:30am every day. Not even free ice-cream made up for it.
After working at UU裸聊直播 for six years, I'm excited to be part of the Next Gen Board. It's a chance to really make my mark on where our company is heading. I'm looking forward to expanding my network, developing skills, and understanding how our business works beyond just my editorial role. It's the perfect opportunity to contribute to meaningful changes and I can't wait to see what we do.
Where did you last go on holiday?
I recently got back from a trip to Thailand and I'm already missing the sunshine and the food.
Where were you born?
I was born in London and moved to Kent when I was 11.
I joined MA Healthcare on a 12-month contract in 2022, working as the editor of two titles in the healthcare portfolio. At the end of my initial tenure I was fortunate enough to be selected to launch a brand new title, and have gone on to work across six specialist healthcare journals that cater to domestic and international audiences. In 2025, I was given the chance to take on the role of editor of the British Journal of Nursing, which is a fantastic title that has given me the opportunity to work at the highest levels of healthcare publishing.
Outside of immediate role and being a member of the Next Gen Board, I am also a co-editor of relaunched MAG internal magazine, and the editor of the independent politics and culture magazine, The Human Perspective.
What's the worst job you've ever had?
Spent two months working at a private covid testing centre that was sponsored by the Lockdown Sceptic association. Had to endure being told Covid wasn't real while dressed in full PPE for eight weeks.
If you could take a year off and go travelling, where would it be?
Making return trips from East to West Croydon, paradise.
I'm excited to be a part of the Next Gen Board. This opportunity has allowed me to network with colleagues from across the business that I might not usually get to speak with. We are currently developing strategies to foster company-wide collaboration which I think will be incredibly rewarding. I think together we have a great deal of experience across different skill sets and are all passionate about making positive change for the business.
Having been with MA Exhibitions for five years, I've had the opportunity to grow from Marketing Manager to my current role as Head of Marketing - Exhibitions. In my position, I oversee the development and execution of marketing strategies for our events, ensuring we meet key performance indicators and drive increased visitor engagement. I lead a talented marketing team, working closely with them to achieve our shared goals.
What always make you feel better?
A cup of tea, The Office re-runs and cuddles with my cat!
What song will always get you on the dance floor?
A toss-up between Artic Monkeys 鈥� A Certain Romance, Bruce Springsteen 鈥� Dancing in the dark or Cher 鈥揃elieve. All classics.
I am currently working as a Sales Director for HR magazine and since working for UU裸聊直播, I have worked as a Recruitment Sales Manager for The Engineer and a Commercial Manager for Manufacturing Management.
What is your favourite TV show of all time and why?
Yellowstone, all round quality series. If you haven't watched it, give it a watch this weekend.
Favourite sport?
I play football every week but I enjoy watching basketball the most. Miami Heat is my team in the NBA #HeatNation.
Alex began his career at Mark Allen as an apprentice, working on a variety of healthcare titles, including Independent Nurse and Practice Nursing. He has recently started as the editor of Gastrointestinal Nursing.
If you could live in any period of history, when would it be?
The 1980s, for the music and the outfits.
Are you scared of anything?
Snakes, and the production department.
We our proud of our history and the difference we have made to the many markets we operate within. From just two magazines to a diverse range of media, information and events organisations operating in markets ranging from healthcare to agriculture; from engineering to education; and from aviation and travel retail to music, with many more in between, we really have come far. Take a look through our timeline to see how we got here.
