Books open doors to new worlds - we must unite to tackle the reading challenge

This week sees the opening of Bonnier’s brand-new London office, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our business. It’s a wonderful way to kick off the New Year, and I couldn’t be more excited about what 2025 has in store. The energy in the team is palpable, with new leaders and colleagues bringing fresh ideas and perspectives to the table. The strategic changes we made last year have positioned us perfectly for the next phase of our growth, and I’m confident that this year will be pivotal.

I’m very proud of our publishing programme across every part of the business. From thought-provoking nonfiction to escapist romantasy, from cutting-edge audiobooks to the timeless beauty of collectible print editions, our books are designed to inspire, entertain, and connect with audiences everywhere. I can’t wait to see them out in the world, sparking conversations and making a difference in people’s lives.

That’s not to say that the next twelve months are going to be an easy ride. In the wider industry, 2025 will continue to be a year of disruption and evolution. Spotify’s innovation in the audiobook market will continue to challenge the traditional retail landscape, and as publishers, we must be agile in responding to this shifting dynamic. At the same time, we’ll need to meet the growing demand for beautiful and collectible physical editions of books, reminding readers of the tactile joy of holding a story in their hands.

This year, we must unite as an industry to tackle this issue head-on.

Of course, economic uncertainty will remain a challenge too, with consumer confidence still under pressure. We’re tackling this head-on by focusing on publishing the right books, at the right time, and delivering them with excellence. It’s a challenge we are more than ready for—but it requires a relentless dedication to consumer insight, smart commissioning, and publishing of exceptional quality.

On an industry-wide level, the rapid development of AI will continue to dominate discussions. As president of the Publishers Association, I see it as our collective responsibility to ensure that the publishing industry’s voice is heard clearly and consistently in shaping the policy landscape around AI. The decisions made now will have long-term implications for creativity, authorship, and intellectual property, and it’s critical that we advocate for a future that values and protects the work of creators.

But above all, the most urgent and pressing issue remains the decline in children reading for pleasure. This is a central focus of my presidency and a cause deeply close to my heart. As publishers, it’s not just about developing the next generation of readers for the industry—it’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to the transformative power of books. Books open doors to new worlds, build empathy, expand minds, and change lives for the better.

This year, we must unite as an industry to tackle this issue head-on. Whether it’s through innovative partnerships, inspiring initiatives, or simply putting the right stories into the hands of young readers, we have an extraordinary opportunity to make a real difference. Together, I know we can rise to the challenge.