Representing your Interests

In the Book Trade

The BA has a network of relationships with book trade organisations and works on improving bookseller relations with other bodies. Regular liaison takes place with the Publishers Association (PA) and we work together closely on any matter of common interest. For instance, the imposition of VAT on books, or threats and opportunities for the industry from new legislation and government programmes.

Book Industry Communication (BIC) was established by the BA, PA, CILIP and the British Library, and the BA continues to part fund BIC. We are also represented on the Board and so have direct influence on the work carried out by BIC into industry standards for product identification, e-commerce, the supply chain, digital publishing and any other matters relating to the book industry infrastructure and logistics.

The BA also work closely with The British Retail Consortium on matters concerning retailing in general, especially changes in business and consumer legislation, e-commerce and retail crime.

The BA's Chief Executive, Tim Godfray, is also in regular contact with other trade bodies, such as the Society of Authors, CILIP, the National Book Committee, Book Marketing Ltd and the Publishing Training Centre, as well as encouraging all BA staff to develop close ties with the trade press, to ensure accurate and balanced coverage of bookseller-related activity. These include The Bookseller and Publishing News.

In the Wider World

In addition to the strong network of book trade contacts, the BA also represents booksellers in the wider world. Increasingly important is representation to and liaison with the bodies of the European Union (EU), and the BA is a leading member of the European Booksellers Federation (EBF). EU institutions recognise only pan-European bodies, so the BA's influence in EBF is critical to the well-being of BA members in the UK. The BA keeps a watching brief on EU legislation and lobbies EU Commissioners and MEPs on relevant matters. On the international standards front, BIC is a leading member of EDItEUR.

Just as important is liaison with Government, through direct lobbying activity and close co-operation with relevant government departments. These include the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform, who have funded book industry initiatives; the Department for Children, Schools & Families and the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills, whose influence on school and higher learning book supply and demand is crucial; the Department for Work & Pensions for new employment regulations; the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice over contentious legislation and, of course, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, under whose remit we most particularly fall. See the Industry Links for Government Departments in the UK and Ireland.

If you have queries about any of the issues above contact the Trade & Industry Department or Chief Executive's office at the BA on
tel: 020 7802 0802 or e-mail Sydney Davies, Tim Godfray