About Us
The Northern Group of Motor Writers is the oldest regional group of automotive journalists in the UK.
First founded in May 1973, the group is open to professional motoring writers across the North of England. Our membership of around 40 writers includes both print and digital journalists from Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland — one of the largest areas of any regional group.
Our area features some of the most spectacular scenery and driving roads in the country, along with two of the finest race tracks in Croft Circuit and Oulton Park. We’re also well served for transport links, including: the M1, A1M, and M6 motorways; West Coast, East Coast, and Midland Main Line railways; and Manchester, Leeds-Bradford, Newcastle, and Teesside airports.
It’s little wonder many vehicle manufacturer PR offices choose the region for driving events, launches and their own vehicle imagery. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also holds an annual test day in the region, usually based at Wetherby Racecourse.
The group meets frequently at locations around the territory. These include manufacturer-sponsored driving days, dinners, and other events such as 2018’s off-road experience. Our regular meetings take place at venues around the north, including Thorpe Park Hotel in Leeds and Coniston Hotel near Skipton, and we also hold our own annual driving day to determine the Northern Car of the Year.
Chairman: Andrew Evans
Vice Chairman: Annabelle Quirk
General Secretary, Welfare Officer, Auditor: Alan Domville
Treasurer: Derrick Grocock
Meetings Secretary, Membership Secretary: Frederic Manby
Newsletter Editor: David Whinyates
Website Editor: Andrew Evans
Social Media: Andy Harris
YouTube: Annabelle Quirk, Ben Quirk