Publishers Association to refund smaller members’ fees for the period of the lockdown to help them recover

The Publishers Association announced today that it will be refunding smaller members’ fees for the three-month period they were in lockdown in recognition of the huge difficulties many small businesses have faced.

The 25% discount will apply to all publisher members with revenues less than £9m if they renew at any point this year and those who have already renewed will be receiving a refund.

The decision was taken at a recent meeting of the Publishers Association’s Council, the first held since the AGM in May, after a discussion on how to support smaller publishers.

Stephen Lotinga, Chief Executive of the Publishers Association, said:

“This year has been an incredibly challenging period for publishers, and it has been particularly difficult for our smallest members.

“We’re enormously grateful that publishers continue to support our work despite the difficult times and we now want to play our small part in helping them get back on their feet.

“The industry is in great shape to rebound very quickly and we continue to make the case to Government as to why they need to provide the right support to help get this world leading industry back to where it should be.”

The 25% discount will also apply for new members in fixed fee bands who apply before the end of August.

Publishers can contact Mark Wharton to discuss membership.