National Publishing
One of IHS South Africa's three subsidiary companies, National Publishing produces top-quality specialist publications that provide and maintain an unequalled level of service to both readers and advertisers. This statement is borne out by the high number of award-winning journals in this company's stable. Key words that characterise this company are professionalism and integrity.
But it's not only the quality of the products that's important, it's the quality of the readership that is the key to successful publishing. Recognising that in today's constantly changing business environment, it's essential to update the circulation database on a continuous basis, National Publishing has invested heavily in computer hardware and software to achieve top-quality circulation for all its journals.
Circulation lists are constantly refined and advertisers can be assured of reaching a precise target market with no wasted circulation. Also significant is the fact that 70% of Review Publications' readers are paid subscribers or registered readers.
Reviewing the Markets
The Review Publications division of National Publishing consists of three journals - Food Review, Packaging Review and Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Review - as well as a related biennial publication, The Buyer's Guide.
Since its inception in 1974, this division has paid more than mere lip service to the concept of editorial excellence and has achieved the enviable position of publishing journals that are viewed as 'required reading' by executives in the industries served.
These journals are widely acclaimed in the packaging and printing industries, and in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, toiletries and household products manufacturing sectors. Their authoritative standing is emphasised by the fact that they act as official journals for eminent associations and institutes, including the Institute of Packaging (SA), the Packaging Council of South Africa, the Flexographic Technical Association of South Africa, the SA Association for Food Science & Technology, the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, the Aerosol Manufacturers' Association, the Cosmetic, Toiletry & Fragrance Association, and the Association of Flavour & Fragrance Manufacturers.
Major contributory factors to editorial excellence are the close relationships forged with these bodies. In addition, editorial contributions by industry experts and relevant academics, as well as regular visits overseas by the editors to study new technological trends, ensure a high degree of relevance for readers.
The Buyers Guide
An important adjunct to the Review Publications division is the biennial publication, The Buyer's Guide, that contains a comprehensive listing of raw materials and ingredients, as well as processing and packaging machinery suppliers for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, toiletries and household products industries. Also included are listings of printing and converting equipment and ancillaries for the packaging industry. Adding even more value to The Buyer's Guide is a review of pertinent legislation (major Acts and their Regulations), as well as listings of overseas principals and their local agents. This highly esteemed publication is thoroughly researched and meticulously compiled.
Profiles and Catalogues
Pioneered in South Africa by Review Publications, company profiles offer an opportunity for exclusive coverage in a separately bound publication within the pages of the relevant magazine. These ever-popular profiles provide opportunities to review a company's history, its achievements, its resources and policies, its marketing and production strategies, or to report on new developments, restructures, mergers or acquisitions. Whatever its motivation, a company profile - specially written by Review Publications' experienced editors - is used as a source of information by customers, staff, suppliers, distributors and shareholders.
Another area of expertise offered by National Publishing is the compilation and publication of official Show guides andCatalogues.
The Business Blue-Book of South Africa
The Business Blue-Book of South Africa, that has been the 'bible' for South African business for more than half a century, is now more essential than ever, as legislation affecting the business sector in the 'new' South Africa is constantly revised or completely rewritten. Subscribers have learnt that the answer to survival in this ever-changing legislative environment is to subscribe to the meticulously compiled and edited annual The Business Blue-Book and its regular updates.
Marketing Ethicals to Professionals
National Publishing's Healthcare division includes the award-winning professional publication, Modern Medicine of South Africa(established in 1976), its related direct mail service, Medimail, and the more recently introduced Modern Pharmacy.
Distributed monthly to 8 500 doctors, Modern Medicine helps South Africa's medical practitioners to stay abreast of the latest clinical developments worldwide. It circulates to active general practitioners, prescribing specialists and full-time hospital doctors with prescribing authority.
Articles in Modern Medicine are tailored for the active doctor. They're concise, easy to digest and presented in a way that allows easy identification and reading. For this reason, Modern Medicine has been adjudged 'the most useful medical journal' in a number of independent surveys. In addition, its excellence has been recognised by the receipt of numerous Specialist Press Association accolades (including being seven-times winner of the prestigious Watling Trophy that is awarded for the 'most outstanding South African trade, technical or professional publication in magazine format').
Medimail is a co-ordinated direct mail adjunct that enables advertisers to support media campaigns with accurately targeted below-the-line activity. To maximise impact, advertisers can target an audience from a wide spectrum of special segments, for instance an interest group, geographical area, medical speciality, language or age group. Like other computerised services offered by IHS South Africa, Medimail can be offered with complete confidence regarding the integrity of the database.
Today's pharmacist is a healthcare professional who is a vital part of the South African medical fraternity. Modern Pharmacy recognises the changing face of pharmacy in South Africa and presents these healthcare professionals with up-to-the-minute, practical information that allows them to run more effective and profitable businesses. Colourful, easy to read and packed with valuable information, the magazine is recognised as essential reading matter. Independent research confirms that Modern Pharmacy's content is of real interest, focuses directly on community pharmacists and is useful to pharmacists as business people.
Other Publications
Three startlingly successful publications recently launched in this division - FEM INDUSTRIAL BUYER, BUSINESS EQUIPMENT BUYER and PROMOTIONS & EVENTS MANAGER - all published bimonthly - are enjoying unprecedented response in the marketplace
FEM Industrial Buyer, reaching more than 60 000 key decision makers throughout industry, is an easy-to-use product guide and the most efficient way to reach, saturate and influence buyers in manufacturing and engineering businesses in Southern Africa.
Sister publication, Business Equipment Buyer, is a direct-response medium specifically designed to promote business equipment, systems and services to more than 61 000 senior decision makers in commerce and industry. What's more, as the Internet is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful marketing tools around, every advertisement that appears in the magazine is downloaded to Business Equipment Buyer's Website, remaining there for the duration of the advertising contract.
Promotions & Events Manager is the only medium dedicated to promoting your products and services to large corporates and smaller enterprises involved in promotions and events. With the ever increasing importance placed on corporate promotional activities and the large number of heavy sponsorship events that take place in this country on a regular basis, there’s constant and substantial demand for the related equipment and support services.