The Knot joins The Lead's local network of titles
We're bringing in-depth original local journalism to Stoke-on-Trent
The Lead today announces the acquisition of The Knot, adding to its stable of award-winning local newsletters.
The Knot is based in Stoke-on-Trent and was launched in 2024 by founder James Routledge to provide independent and optimistic journalism for the six towns and North Staffordshire area.
He has been supported by local journalist Helen Dalley who will stay on as editor of The Knot. Founder James Routledge will remain part of the team to offer advice and support.
The Lead’s local network includes titles in Blackpool, Lancashire, Teesside, Southport and Calderdale. In 2025, that network won Newsletter of the Year at the Press Gazette’s Future of Media Awards. It has a focus on health, inequality, environment and telling the stories of places left behind by political neglect.
The Knot is the second addition to that network in 2026 following the launch of The Valleys Lead, covering the south Wales valleys, in January with Lauren Crosby Medlicott as editor.
Mike Harris, publisher of The Lead’s titles including its national edition, said: “What James has achieved in launching The Knot and building a loyal and committed readership is a credit to his work as a social entrepreneur.
“I’m delighted The Knot will be joining The Lead’s family of local newspaper titles, helping us in our attempt to rethink how high quality local journalism can take root again in communities across the UK.”
James Routledge, founder of The Knot, said: “It’s a perfect match. I’m really pleased that The Knot is finding its place with The Lead network. The team are great and the ethos really aligns. I’m really excited that there’s a network of local titles like this that can grow together to reach more people in places that are having proper journalism stripped away. On so many levels, this is a good thing!”
James penned a note to subscribers of The Knot announcing the news during Wednesday morning.
Luke Beardsworth, editor of The Lead’s local network, said: “It’s not about making big changes to what The Knot does, which has already proven to be very popular and filling a real gap in the market.
“What we do want to add is The Lead’s brand of in-depth journalism to the mix and I know from our early conversations that Helen is excited to get stuck into that on a more regular basis.”
The Lead’s team is made up of Ed Walker (managing editor), Zoë Grünewald (Westminster editor), Luke Beardsworth (local editor) and Ella Glover (social media editor).
Andrew Greaves writes The Calderdale Lead, Lauren Crosby Medlicott writes The Valleys Lead, Jamie Lopez writes The Southport Lead and Leigh Jones writes The Teesside Lead. Helen Dalley will continue to write The Knot.