GoMW

The winner of The Guild of Motoring Writers’ inaugural SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year Award, Keith WR Jones, has been recruited as a staffer on a major British motoring website  – proving that when it comes to spotting and nurturing fresh journalistic talent, the Guild has its finger on the pulse.

Against stiff competition, Keith’s impressive Petroleum Vitae blog earned him the Guild’s SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year Award in December 2012. The accolade was launched exclusively for upcoming automotive bloggers of all ages who are not professional motoring writers, and recognises and promotes talent in the blogging world. Keith’s resulting raised profile in the automotive industry means he is now to leave his career as a teacher to work full-time as a staff writer on motoring website Parkers, a role that will commence towards the end of June.

Keith said:”Over the past two years as a motoring blogger I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been able to rely on an ever-growing readership and huge support from a breadth of car manufacturers. Being recognised by the Guild last December as its inaugural SEAT Breakthrough Blogger was an enormous honour. The fact that I’m now joining one of Britain’s most popular and trusted motoring websites as a staff writer demonstrates that blogging is becoming a legitimate route into full-time journalism.”

GoMW chairman Richard Aucock added: “Blogging is the modern way for aspiring motoring journalists to seek recognition and showcase their talents. As the world’s leading professional motoring journalist organisation, it was right that the Guild should join with SEAT to create an award to reward the best. I’m delighted to see that our first-ever winner has done exactly what the award says, and broken through into our fine industry.”

Entry details for the SEAT Breakthrough Blogger of the Year Award 2013 will be announced later in the summer, along with news of The Guild of Motoring Writers’ other awards.