Our London Book Fair 2022 highlights
It was fantastic to be back at London Book Fair for the first time since 2019!
The Publishers Association team had a packed three days with visits from the Minister for London and Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport officials, meetings with people from across the publishing world and both hosting – and taking part in – events.
A short summary of our London Book Fair 2022 highlights below.
Visit from the Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Labour Markets and Minister for London
Paul Scully MP, Minister for London, visited London Book Fair on Tuesday 5 April at the invitation of the Publishers Association.
Stephen Lotinga, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association, escorted the minister on a tour of the Fair and introduced him to Kate Manning, Marketing Director of Magic Cat Publishing; Andy Ventris, Director of the London Book Fair; David Shelley, Chief Executive of Hachette UK and President of the Publishers Association and Perminder Mann, Chief Executive of Bonnier Books UK and Chair of the Consumer Publishers Council at the Publishers Association.
While at the Fair, Stephen and the minister discussed the contribution that publishing makes to the UK economy; the importance of exporting to the industry; the growth of English language books around the world and publishing’s key role in the government’s levelling up agenda, as reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success. Stephen also explained that book buyers are still required to pay VAT on audiobooks unlike ebooks and print books. He asked that the government correct this anomaly at the earliest opportunity.
The role of publishing and culture during global conflict event
Stephen Lotinga chaired our flagship event, The role of publishing and culture during global conflict. Stephen discussed this timely issue with the stellar panel of Bodour Al Qasimi, President, International Publishers Association, Cortina Butler, Deputy Director Arts, British Council and Jane Mann, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press. To conclude the event we played a video from Oleksandr Afonin, President of the Ukrainian Publishers and Booksellers Association.
Children’s Book Pitches
On Wednesday afternoon we held our annual Children’s Book Pitches where children’s publishers have the opportunity to present their highlights for 2022 to independent booksellers. It was a pleasure to get a glimpse of what’s in store for the children’s market this year!
Sustainability in the Publishing industry
Stephen took part in this session, hosted by the International Publishers Association, which explored key sustainability initiatives. Stephen spoke about the Publishers Association’s sustainability programme which launched last year with Publishing Declares.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s London Book Fair!