Sustainability in Publishing Symposium
The James Cropper Wainwright Prize celebrated its shortlist announcement alongside a symposium to discuss sustainability in publishing. It was a unique discussion platform to dissect the challenges, opportunities and plans in place to build a more sustainable and resilient future for publishing. The debate was designed to focus all-industry attention on the book business’ challenges and highlight those initiatives and solutions in place that will mark a significant step-change for the industry.
Meet The Panel
Mark Cropper, 6th Generation Chairman of James Cropper and environmental entrepreneur
Mark has led family business James Cropper (Est.1845) since 2010. He is the sixth generation chairman. Outside James Cropper, Mark founded renewable energy company Ellergreen, which is active in hydro, solar and community energy. He was previously a London based financier focused on the environmental sector.
Piers Torday, author and chair of the Society of Authors' Sustainability Working Group
Piers Torday is an award winning and best selling writer for children, whose work has been translated into 14 languages and adapted for the stage. The son of the novelist Paul Torday, he was born in Northumberland and was a theatre and television producer for many years. His book The Dark Wild won the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for 2014
Simon Graham from the Zero Carbon Academy
Simon’s objective is to integrate environmental concerns into the heart of company operations, involving staff, suppliers and customers in a vision of responsible business practice. He is also a widely respected speaker on sustainability, particularly on balancing strategic alignment, innovative technology and staff involvement to achieve long term business change.
Amber Harrison from FOLDE Dorset, a new venture that is part nature-writing bookshop and part gallery.
Amber worked as Head of Sustainability for a global IT and aviation business, is now the sustainable co-owner of FOLDE Dorset, selling nature books, art from Dorset printmakers and painters, local crafts and items to encourage people to explore Dorset.
Chaired by Jo Henry, Managing Director of BookBrunch
Jo has over 40 years of experience within the publishing sector including her current position as Managing Director of BookBrunch, the online trade magazine for the publishing industry. She also founded the Book Marketing Society and was a former Chair of the Book Society and BTC, the Book Trade Benevolent Society.
