Sheffield indie publisher to expand thanks to £250,000 investment

Sheffield-based independent publisher Vertebrate Publishing is planning on almost doubling its staff numbers after receiving a quarter of a million pounds in investment from entrepreneur Stephen Ross.

The seven-employee company, which produces outdoor adventure books for adults and children, will create five new posts across editorial, marketing and production this year. It will also double the number of books it produces annually, from 30 to 60, including three new titles per year on the children’s imprint, Shrine Bell.

Ross, a former chairman of outdoor clothing company Inov-8 and the founder of the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon, will join the company board.

Vertebrate’s founder Jon Barton said: “Producing books that inspire people, young and old, to go out and have adventures is what we are all about. Being able to extend what we do, and producing more cycling, climbing, walking, running and children's books, can only be a good thing.”

Ross added: “It is great to be working with Jon and his team at a time when there is unprecedented interest in outdoor sports and books are enjoying a resurgence. We have so many ideas for new titles and we need to grow our team of like-minded people to help make them happen. The investment will enable Vertebrate to do just that.”

Upcoming Vertebrate titles include the children’s book Fantastic Female Adventurers by Lily Dyu, about 14 female adventurers from around the world. It will be released in October.