John Catt Educational hails record results as revenue rises 16%

Indie educational publisher John Catt has reported record results for the year ending 31st August 2019, with revenues from across the business rising. 

The Suffolk-based press said book sales revenue was up 154% on the previous year while total company turnover from all publishing activities, including advertising revenue from its guides and magazines, increasing 16% to £1.7m from £1.5m the year before. Revenues from educator-focused books increased by 44%. It reported profits after tax of £0.4m, up by 25% from £0.3m the year before.

It came on the back of a year where the firm increased the number of is professional development books for educators, launching more than 60 new titles and signing more rights deals in foreign territories.

The company said Tom Sherrington's teaching manual Rosenshine’s Principles in Action was a particular success, shifting over 50,000 copies since publication in May. Sales were also boosted by new distribution arrangements with Macmillan and Consortium, it said.

Managing director Alex Sharratt said: “We are really pleased to continue our upwards trend in all the important financial metrics. The directors have a strong long-term vision for the company and we won’t get complacent. There is much more to come from us: our strategic plan sees us doubling in size over the next three years and we’re confident that we have the structure in place to ensure that plan is realised.

“But more significant than the financial reports, for us, is the continued strengthening of our brand recognition. We are proud that educators now recognise that a new release from John Catt promises to be insightful, supportive and forward-thinking. Our following amongst the education community is strong and loyal and we have allies in some lofty places. That loyalty is what 60 years of trading history brings."