01 October 2008
Posted in General News

In a move that consolidates the strong relationship between The Publishers Association and The London Book Fair, both parties have announced the creation of a book fair partnership designed to deliver a stronger UK book brand presence at the major international book fairs.

Already joint exhibitors for the UK publishing community, The Publishers Association and The London Book Fair will unveil the new brand, UK Publishing, at the forthcoming Frankfurt Book Fair. The initiative is underpinned by clear feedback via London Book Fair customer research, which revealed the desire for a greater presence at international book fairs for the UK book industry.

A key objective set by The London Book Fair Advisory Board has been for the promotion of the UK book brand overseas to increase the export of English language books, to promote rights opportunities and to advocate the strength and breadth of the UK publishing industry. To that end, UK Publishing will be offering exhibiting opportunities at Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Bologna, Book Expo America, Cape Town and Delhi Book Fairs.

Opportunities to join the collectives are open to all publishers, from small to large and other UK associations are welcome to participate. While there will be a UK Publishing stand at both The London Book Fair and Frankfurt, collectives will not be available in recognition of the stronger individual presence that UK publishers of all sizes take at these two trade events.

Group Exhibition Director of The London Book Fair, Alistair Burtenshaw, said, "We have worked with the PA for many years across a number of initiatives and it is fabulous to take this a stage further to deliver a coordinate and inclusive approach for the promotion of the UK publishing industry at these important events in the global publishing calendar. We very much hope that other organisations and associations will participate with our initiative to complement publishers so providing a truly joined-up picture of our very successful UK publishing trade."

Simon Juden, chief executive of The Publishers Association, said, "We have a brilliant brand in the British book industry and through this partnership and our existing experience we are better positioned than ever before to maximise the many opportunities that an international presence at book fairs around the world can offer. We are absolutely delighted to be pioneering this initiative with The London Book Fair, whose professionalism and expertise in this area will add so much value."

UK Publishing will first exhibit at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair 2009.

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