We are delighted to announce that the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK) has been shortlisted for Independent Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards 2025. The winners will be announced at a ceremony taking place at Grosvenor House, London, on Monday 12th May.
SPCK is the UK’s third-oldest publishing house, and has been active since 1698. Under CEO Sam Richardson, the company merged with Inter-Varsity Press (IVP) in 2015, and acquired Lion Hudson in 2021, becoming the largest Christian publisher in the country.
The British Book Awards said of SPCK:
“SPCK has been in books for well over three centuries now, and it bounced back from a tough few years with record sales in 2024. It was the result of putting more effort behind fewer titles, excellent author brand-building and sharp increases in exports, rights and co-editions. SPCK is showing itself to be a modern as well as venerable publisher, with smart use of digital content and progress on DEI and sustainability”
Sam Richardson, CEO of SPCK, said:
“We are thrilled to have been nominated for Independent Publisher of the Year 2025. This decision is testament to an excellent 2024 that saw us deliver a 20% increase in sales. SPCK is so proud to have been included among such a brilliant list of fellow independent publishers at the British Book Awards in 2025, all of whom embody the remarkable diversity and strength of independent publishing”.
Wendy Grisham, Deputy CEO of SPCK, said:
“This nomination is testament to our fantastic books and authors, as well as the teams at SPCK, whose hard work and expertise have brought these titles into the world. 2024 was a year of standout bestsellers for us, including Practicing The Way by John Mark Comer and Tarry Awhile: Wisdom from Black spirituality for people of faith by Dr Selena Stone, which reflects a renewed interest in shaping our lives around liturgical rhythms”
SPCK CEO Sam Richardson is available for interview.
Press contact: Emily Beater; ebeater@spck.org.uk; 07494430503
