THE Northern Group was formed
more than a quarter of a century ago, with the
aim of improving facilities for
motoring journalists in the region.
Though we're in a new Millennium and have seen many changes in the
membership, not much has
changed when you consider we're still fighting to
uphold editorial standards and
maintain the position of motoring writers.
In the early years we fought to stamp out the "fiver a
time" road tests
which threatened our
livelihood. Later the group has led the fight to
contain the spread of
advertising copy which masquerades as independent
editorial, recognising this as
a similar threat that is of no benefit either
to motoring writers, PR
departments, newspaper managements or readers as it
merely devalues genuine
motoring coverage.
We're still trying to improve the lot of the motorist writer, by
updating
our insurance survey detailing
the extent of cover when testing cars week
in, week out, and when covering
new car launches.
On the social side, the Northern Group's annual dinner has become
legendary
in the world of motoring PR.
An important part of this is the Group's fund-raising efforts,
which the
motor industry so generously
supports. In recent years they have resulted in
substantial donations to
charities such as the Linda McCartney Cancer Fund
in Liverpool and Sheffield's
Weston Park Hospital to buy auxiliary equipment
for its scanner appeal, and the
Scarborough Lifeboat.