From writing headlines to making headlines: the fascinating story of entrepreneur James Baggott
ENTREPRENEUR James Baggott will be taking people on a thrilling ride this month as he describes his journey from newspaper subeditor to making his own headlines in the motor world.
James has been unveiled as the guest speaker at the Gosport Business Awards, which come to a glittering crescendo at an evening of celebration from 6pm at St Vincent College's Jervis Gallery on Thursday, November 27.
The awards judging panel has already met to draw up their shortlists and the winners will be unveiled across seven different categories on the night, along with the crowning of the overall business of the year.
Said James: ‘I’m delighted to be attending the awards to chat about my rather varied career – all based here in Gosport. I’m proud to have my businesses located in the borough and it’s a beautiful place to live.’
After working as a sub-editor at The News in Portsmouth, James started Blackball Media in 2008 – a motoring editorial, events and PR services business – from the conservatory of his home in Gosport. Eight years later, he sold a 25% stake in the growing business to PA Media, the parent company of the Press Association. The resultant investment and restructuring created the Baize Group that James is the CEO of, along with a spin out PR agency On Cue Communications, that sits alongside Blackball Media. The business operations include staging the annual Used Car Awards with TV personality Mike Brewer.
In 2023 he continued his entrepreneurship journey in Gosport by founding the Clever Car Collection, a car dealership that uses AI to attract customers from all over the country. It has won a variety of national awards including Auto Trader’s Highly Rated Award in both 2024 and 2025.
Aside from his businesses and family life he is also a volunteer Coxswain for Gosport and Fareham Inshore Rescue (GAFIRS) and this year reached the significant milestone of 500 HM Coastguard operations.
‘On the night, I’ll be chatting about my media company and how that has grown over the last 17 years to proudly publish the largest motor trade publication in the UK, how I’ve launched a new car dealership here in Gosport and will chat about my volunteering for GAFIRS,’ said James.
The Gosport Business Awards are a partnership between The News, St Vincent, headline sponsors StandardAero UK, sponsors Gosport Borough Council and Powder Monkey, which will be providing the catering on the night, which starts at 6pm.
To join in what is going to be a night of special celebration, tickets priced £20 can be bought at https://gosportbusinessawards2025.eventbrite.co.uk