Northern Fiction Alliance to host regional diversity roundtable

The Northern Fiction Alliance is inviting publishers to join an upcoming regional diversity roundtable, to be hosted in Manchester on 30th May. 

Taking place at Manchester Metropolitan University’s Grosvenor East building, the roundtable aims to explore "ways the publishing industry can improve recruitment and operations to be more accessible and inclusive of talent outside of London and the south-east". 

Publishers in attendance will be asked to share their current recruitment policies and initiatives aimed at redressing regional imbalances in the workforce. 

"Publishing has traditionally been centralised in London, but there is a wealth of creative talent across the UK that deserves opportunities," said Isabelle Kenyon, co-ordinator of the Northern Fiction Alliance, which is funded by Comma Press. "We want to facilitate an open discussion on how the industry can broaden its reach and better reflect the diversity of voices nationwide." 

The roundtable, which runs from 1 p.m.-4 p.m., will include talks from publishers on successful diversity and inclusion initiatives (interested presenters should inquire); a discussion on relocating offices and operations outside London; a review of findings from the 2022 Publishers Association report "The UK Publishing Workforce: Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging" and a networking session with refreshments. 

Space is limited, so publishers are encouraged to RSVP promptly. For more information or to reserve a spot, contact Isabelle.kenyon@commapress.co.uk.