Midlands philanthropist launches Key Worker magazine to thank essential services

A Staffordshire businessman and philanthropist has turned magazine publisher after feeling that ‘clapping for carers’ was not enough to recognise and reward Key Workers.

Accountant and business coach Martin, of Lichfield, is the driving force behind Key Worker Magazine and the soon-to-launch KeyHive online community for Key Workers in health, care, emergency services, education, retail and more.

With the magazine now in its second edition, Martin has overseen a focus on housing for Key Workers and has welcomed the new government’s plans to build more homes and extend social housing.

He said: “The proposals as outlined by the new Chancellor are encouraging and it’s good to see they are already turning into actions, not just words. In this issue of Key Worker magazine, NHS and charity staff told us that increasing rents are a massive source of stress and we have also received hundreds of emails from Key Workers with housing problems, including some who have been forced to sleep in their cars.”

Martin said: “This magazine is a way of saying thank you in a meaningful way to Key Workers. Clapping for (some of) our Key Workers was great, but like rainbows, some things fade with time.”

“So we are here to provide a permanent thank you, that promises to make the UK’s Key Workers feel valued, visible, and empowered in equal measure. In our latest magazine, which is in an online format, we also have an in-depth report about the future of housing as well as tenant rights and mortgage advice.”

“We will also soon be launching KeyHive because It’s time to give our Key Workers a rewarding platform where they can speak their mind and have their voices heard far and wide.”

“And it’s time to give them access to more affordable housing and greater support at every turn.”

Martin has curated a team of UK Key Workers and journalists to ensure relevant and worthwhile content for hardworking people at the heart of society.

Martin has been joined by senior Midlands journalist Linda Aitchison as editor.

Linda said: “To be able to help Key Workers make their voices heard about important issues, including housing, is a privilege. I am grateful to our readers who have contributed so frankly as well as the respected writers who have added their expertise.”

Anyone interested in finding out more should visit www.keyworkernation.org.uk/magazine