Testudo

Things are moving apace in the world of Tortoise, the new media start-up venture of former BBC News boss James Harding. 77 days after The Times told us that James would be collaborating with former US Ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun, Mr Harding has confirmed to BuzzFeed that, yes, indeed, Mr Barzun is to chair the company.

Buzzfeed has found an industry source to say the venture will be "A small group of smart hacks focusing on the biggest stories of the day and breaking a bit of news.  But also some slower, higher-impact stuff – hence, well, the name."

Buzzfeed also speculates on the possible involvement in Tortoise of Katie Vanneck-Smith, who last month left Dow Jones as President and Chief Customer Officer, "relocating back to London to pursue new opportunities outside of News Corp". Katie (Portsmouth High School for girls and St Hugh's, Oxford) was head of sales and marketing at the Times and News UK during Harding's spell as Times editor.

“@iamwill: Rocking out at wall street journal party at davos” - fun chat - thanks will #maketime pic.twitter.com/e9MJD69lqm

— Katie Vanneck-Smith (@VanneckKatie) January 22, 2015