Iain, can you tell us how Essential came to life?
Yes, in early 1999 an opportunity arose to assemble the necessary components to launch a luxury lifestyle magazine in Marbella. Certain key staff members were available, an investment was secured, and the market was on an upwardly mobile trajectory.

Did you have any experience in the local magazine industry beforehand?
After arriving in Marbella, my continual work experience since 1987 had been with local and international magazines, principally in a sales directorship capacity. This intervening period of 12 years endowed me with the knowledge and expertise to finally launch a title of my own.

How was Essential received by the people of Marbella?
The launch party itself was a resounding success, with over 600 people coming to celebrate with us at Bora Bora in San Pedro and the momentum just continued from the outset. The product seemed to strike a cord with readers and clients alike, gaining in popularity so that, incredibly, we were already in profit by the 3rd edition.

What are the cornerstone attributes of the magazine?
The focus and foundation of Essential is its editorial content. This requires meticulous planning in advance and involves mobilising a string of great writers. Building from this, we have always presented a quality product both in terms of design and printing, just as we have consistently maintained an extensive circulation every month, coupled with a highly controlled distribution function.

What has made Essential survive during all these years?
Maintaining the above strategy, evolving with the times, hitting the streets regularly in volume at the start of each month, not filling the pages with advertorial and, in general, providing a product that top advertisers chose to support.

What about your core team, tell us about them
You are talking about a great bunch of people – Andi, Marisa, Sus, Inma, Momo, Kev – who have grown into their positions and whose loyalty knows no bounds, who regularly pull together to achieve great things. At times it is intense and stressful but it is a labour of love and we are like a well-oiled machine.

And are there others?
There are lots – Belinda, Michel, Jackie, Addo and his team, Jairo, Mariano, Jan, Réka, Tony, David, Carlos, Rik, Cristina, Russell, Phil. Just like with those above, the majority of our staff have been with the business long term. It kind of makes us like a family and we sometimes have group get-togethers, which are always enjoyable occasions.

Have you had any special Essential events?
Over the years, many! Two at Bora Bora, three at Puro Beach, two at Estepona Bull Ring, also at Tibu, D.O.MAR and several versions of the Essential Awards at the Hotel Puente Romano.

And are you having a party to celebrate this month’s anniversary?
Of course! We have a tremendous venue lined-up and will be inviting all our close associates and loyal clients over the coming days. You will be able to see shots from the event in next month’s issue.

What are you particularly proud of?
Having a team like the above to depend on. Having worked with the same printer for 20 years (who are now also like family). Having printed on recyclable paper since day one (even though it had to be imported from Finland to begin with). Having maintained our editorial integrity and our popularity. Having the clients we do supporting the magazine – many of them have been advertising with us for years and some from the very start.

Where do you see Essential having reached now?
It’s nice to take stock after two decades. Having become the market leader back in 2005, we have maintained that position ever since. Essential is respected and collected, and its valued reception is the driving force that inspires us to continually try to out-do ourselves.

And, what can we expect in the future?
On the printed side, we intend to continue striving to produce the kind of editions that our supporters have come to know and love. Breaching the digital age, we have been making a big drive on elevating our Social Media platforms and on developing a dynamic web interface. Our resident Digital & Creative Director, Andrea, will tell you more about this on this page.