Pictured: Susan Duffin, Natasha Littleton, Emma Robson, Laura Evans and Alistair Wood celebrating First News’ win of Subscription Revenue Initiative of the Year at the PPA Customer Direct Awards 2017, for their work on the First News iHub.
This year marks a major milestone for long-standing ESco client, First News, as they celebrate 20 years of inspiring young readers across the UK.
As the UK’s only newspaper for children, First News has spent the past two decades helping young people better understand the world around them through engaging, trusted journalism. Reaching more than two million children every week through homes and schools, the publication continues to play an important role in developing curiosity, literacy, critical thinking, and media awareness for the next generation.
For ESco, the celebrations feel especially meaningful as 2026 also marks 10 years of working in partnership with the First News team.
Back in 2016, ESco began supporting First News with customer services and subscription management for their school initiative, helping to manage complex subscription packages and support the growth of their expanding education offering. Since then, it has been fantastic to watch the brand continue to evolve and strengthen its impact across both schools and family audiences.
Today, First News provides schools with flexible learning resources that use current affairs and real-world news stories to support literacy, comprehension, and critical thinking skills in the classroom – helping pupils build confidence and prepare for future academic challenges.
Ten years ago, we began what we hoped would be a great partnership and ESco have exceeded every expectation. Their expertise in customer services and subscription management has been central to supporting our school offering and helping us reach more schools and young readers across the UK. They are a great team to work alongside and genuinely care about what we do and support our mission. Having a partner who feels like a true extension of our own team has been invaluable as we’ve grown. We’re proud to celebrate both milestones together and here’s to the next 10 years!
Emma Robson, COO, First News
We’re incredibly proud to have supported First News over the past decade and to continue working alongside a team so passionate about empowering young people through trusted news and education.
To celebrate their 20th birthday, First News is currently offering 20% off print and digital subscriptions – a brilliant opportunity for parents, grandparents, and families to help encourage a lifelong news habit for young readers.
A huge congratulations to the entire First News team on this fantastic milestone. Here’s to the next 20 years of inspiring young minds.
Find out more about First News and their 20th birthday celebrations here.
