Effective immediately, IPG has executed a four-part plan to integrate and stabilise UID, the UK’s leading distributor of independent publishers.
The first piece is consolidating the Eurospan unit distribution through Marston Book Services’ systems in UID’s state-of-the-art Biggleswade Distribution Centre (BDC). The second piece is a reorganisation of the UK management team into a shared services model so that the companies act as one. This reorganisation enables the third component, a one-time reduction in staff across the companies securing the synergies between units. The final piece is a managed exit of the Turpin Distribution unit through an administration process.
As of 1 October, all orders for publishers distributed by Eurospan will be processed by the customer service team at Marston. Trade customers have been informed, and the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive due to the efficiency of centralised ordering, returns processing, and Marston’s reputation for high-quality, timely service. This will increase efficiency for Eurospan and their customers through consolidation of deliveries and simplified accounting through Marston’s credit control team.
Harmonising Marston, Orca, and Eurospan into a single solution also enables our long-planned reorganisation of the UID leadership team:
Joe Matthews, global CEO, will spend equal time with the UK and US domestic territories.
Frank Autunnale will take over the reins as global CFO, overseeing finance and accounting teams in the US and the UK to harmonise practices and consolidate financial statements. Autunnale will also continue to oversee the HR departments, with Julie Barnes named UK Director of HR.
Mark Chaloner will remain UID group COO, overseeing facilities, warehouse management, and interdepartmental communication, reporting to Joe Matthews.
Imogen Adams, MD of Eurospan, remains responsible for the health of Eurospan publishers but will join the global business development team, which will allow her to offer services in both the UK and US domestic markets along with the global network of sub-distributors and agents. Imogen’s team will include Michelle Zappa, Head of Sales, and Catherine Lawn Edwards, Head of Marketing. Michelle will oversee the accounts used by all divisions, expanding her ability to provide comprehensive sales through Eurospan’s in-house team and robust network of commissioned reps. Michelle will continue to manage international academic sales, with her US-based counterpart, Scott Hatfill, handling international trade sales as the US and UK international programs are merged. Catherine and her team will offer their expertise developed within the Eurospan division to all publishers looking to increase sales through enhanced marketing activity.
Eurospan’s Andrew Boughton will become Director of Operations, overseeing client and publisher service departments. Based in the London office, Andrew brings his wealth of knowledge to create a single repository of metadata and ONIX transmission, oversee eBook and digital print services, and manage the group’s order processing and supply chain functions. Andrew’s team will include Head of Distribution Services, Tracy Hopkins, Head of Data and Online Operations, James L. Smith, Head of Publisher Services, Sarah Knapton, and Customer Services Manager, TBC.
The reorganisation to shared services departments offers a tremendous opportunity to eliminate duplication of effort, close redundant positions, and bring best-practice workflows and systems used by the various entities into one streamlined operation. The reduction in overheads through consolidation to shared services will achieve profitability while preserving a high-quality service for publisher satisfaction. There are no further layoffs planned. We hope employees see a bright future in the company with greater ability for upward mobility, deeper departments that offer increased business continuity, and better systems and services to support our publishers.
Those who follow scholarly publishing know that there are major structural changes occurring in that industry, including a move to Open Access publishing, a decline in journal subscriptions, and a move toward lower-priced digital journals. The Turpin board has worked hard with its professional advisors to find a solvent solution to preserve the Company or a going concern sale of the Company’s business, but regrettably this has proven impossible, and we have therefore resolved that the only option now available for Turpin is to place it into Administration.
Joe Matthews notes, “This restructuring of the UK has long been anticipated and the leadership team is excited to execute our plans to build a strong and enduring future for the business.”
CHARLOTTE, NC- The Good Book Company announces that Is Christmas Unbelievable? by Rebecca McLaughlin has surpassed 100,000 units in print sales (The Good Book Company, October 2021).
NASHVILLE, TENN. (SEPTEMBER 30, 2022) Acclaimed singer/songwriter and best-selling author Ellie Holcomb will release her new Christmas EP,
The Christmas book explores the question of what joy sounds like as the reader travels through beautiful Christmastime scenes in the board book, which is illustrated by Laura Ramos. Likewise Sing: Christmas Songs is an invitation to sing about the hope of the season and features classic and original Christmas songs. Holcomb’s sweet and lovely celebration of Christmas encourages each reader and listener, young and old, to lift up their voice and repeat the sounding joy!
BLOOMINGTON, MN (October 3, 2022)—On September 30, 2022, Baker Publishing Group purchased the publishing rights for The Bible Study products from The Brand Sunday.
Carol Stream, Ill. (October 3, 2022) Focus on the Family, in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, will release three new Focus on the Family children’s products this fall. In line with Focus on the Family’s corporate mission, the new products—Otter B Thankful, 28 Hours, and Sled Run for Survival—will equip parents to teach their children about having a brave and grateful faith even in the midst of hardship.
It’s just another morning in Odyssey—or so it appears. As the sun rises and their phones start ringing, Whit and his friends become entangled in a conspiracy that threatens the future of their town and beyond. The clock is ticking toward an explosive confrontation as the crew from Whit’s End races to solve a heart-pounding mystery in this special, six-part adventure, 28 Hours.
When the kids step into the Imagination Station, they travel back in time and across the world with cousins Patrick and Beth. Each book is historically accurate, and readers will grow in their faith and knowledge of big historical events as they race through each unforgettable story.
W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson Publishing, today announced a one-book deal with bestselling author John Bevere. The Awe of God: The Astounding Way a Healthy Fear of God Transforms Your Life is slated to go on-sale in February 2023. Bevere is represented by Esther Fedorkevich of The Fedd Agency. World rights were acquired by W Publishing Senior Acquisitions Editor Kyle Olund.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., October 2022 – With sales of more than 40 million books worldwide, Sarah Young, the bestselling author of the Jesus Calling, Jesus Always and Jesus Listens devotionals, is now releasing a new book of prayers for children,
Grand Rapids, MI – October 6, 2022 – The Zonderkidz title, I’m So Glad You Were Born authored by FOX & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt received #1 status on the New York Times bestseller list for Children’s Picture Books for the October 16 issue.
Earhardt shared the bestseller news with viewers of FOX & Friends this morning and on her Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/p/CjX2IisDHNL/
(Grand Rapids, Mich.) October 7, 2022 — Today, Zondervan announced the promotion of Katya Covrett to vice president, publisher for the publishing group’s academic imprint, Zondervan Academic. Covrett, who has been serving the imprint as associate publisher for the past year, will lead the acquisition, editorial development, and overall title strategy moving forward. Covrett has more than 20 years of editorial experience at Zondervan, specifically focusing on academic, ministry, and reference books.
(October 3, 2022) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Holman Bibles announces the launch of The CSB Explorer Bible for Kids (




