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Author: Abi Murphy

  • Air Business achieves sustainability accreditation for event logistics

    Air Business achieves sustainability accreditation for event logistics

    ESSA is the UK’s leading trade body representing event suppliers and service providers, recognised for driving high standards across the industry. The ESSA Sustainability Accreditation is a robust, evidence-based assessment of how effectively sustainability is embedded within an organisation’s operations and its support for event organisers, exhibitors and contractors.

    Following evaluations in waste management, energy efficiency, carbon tracking, sustainable purchasing, employee involvement and governance, this achievement reflects the company’s sustainability efforts and dedication to ongoing improvement.

    Luke Stephens, Head of Event Operations and Strategy at Air Business and Vice Chair of ESSA’s Logistics Working Group, commented “Achieving ESSA Tier 4 is a major advance for Air Business and a clear signal of the role we’re playing in raising standards across event logistics,”

    Reaching this high-level accreditation within the first year of certification demonstrates that sustainability is not an add-on for us – it’s embedded in how we operate, how we partner with clients and how we help shape a more responsible events industry.”

    With this accreditation, Air Business is now ESSA’s highest-graded logistics company for sustainability, firmly strengthening its position as a trusted partner for clients seeking to advance their own sustainability goals.

  • We need your input: LLM partnerships

    We need your input: LLM partnerships

    The Reuters Institute’s 2026 report indicates that only 20% of publishers expect licensing revenues from AI companies to be substantial, with half (49%) anticipating a minor contribution.

    However, with already evident implications of zero-click searches and further adoption of AI chatbots, we cannot accept that licensing deals will provide only marginal relief given the existing revenue pressures our industry faces.

    Your participation will directly inform the decision-making framework we are developing for PPA member businesses.

    Survey objectives

    Validate deal conditions for long-term sustainability

    Early data from major publishers reveals concerning patterns. While the average licensing deal is sizeable (estimated at £20 – £25m) we need comprehensive data to determine whether these agreements adequately protect publishers’ future revenues or merely provide short-term relief while underlying traffic and revenue losses accelerate.

    The PPA will not collect or request individual deal values or commercially sensitive terms. Any aggregated insights will derive solely from anonymised, non‑identifiable responses.

    Assess comparative impact on publishers who have entered deals

    We seek to understand whether publishers with licensing agreements are experiencing more or less audience migration to LLM interfaces compared to those without deals. This will help validate whether licensing partnerships offer protection against traffic displacement.

    Build evidence-based industry advocacy

    With limited transparency around existing deals, we need aggregated, anonymised data to strengthen our collective negotiating position and inform policy discussions.

    Your confidentiality is assured

    The survey focuses on high‑level, non‑commercial impacts rather than specific deal terms. We will not request or disseminate any information related to pricing, individual licensing negotiations, or future commercial strategies. All data will be anonymised and aggregated strictly for research and policy purposes.

    We anticipate the survey will take approximately 8 minutes to complete. Please respond by 24/02/26.

    Participate now


    Thank you for contributing to this essential industry research.

  • Haymarket Group reports £11.5 million in annual profits

    Haymarket Group reports £11.5 million in annual profits

    Haymarket Group reports annual earnings of £11.5 million in the last financial year, ending 30 June 2025. Accounts filed at Companies House show the total turnover in this period was £175 million, reporting a healthy underlying profit, despite a turbulent global economy.

    The results reflect a year of strategic balancing across Haymarket’s international footprint. The Group saw positive growth in the UK, a steady performance in Germany, and its best performance in over a decade in Asia. In the US profits decreased by £2.3 million year-on-year, a result driven by a combination of challenging healthcare market conditions, political elections and the significant impact of fluctuating exchange rates. Despite these factors, the Group’s balanced portfolio across medical, automotive, and marketing-communications sectors ensured steady profitability.

    Haymarket continued to invest in its future, with a particular emphasis on New Product Development (NPD). This targeted investment in digital platforms and data-led products is central to the Group’s strategy to move toward sustainable, paid-content revenue streams.

    A monumental achievement for the business was becoming Certified B Corp™. This global accreditation follows a three-year effort to meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance. This commitment is further evidenced by the £440,000 raised for charity and nearly 2,000 volunteer hours dedicated by employees over the past year.

    Kevin Costello, Global Chief Executive, Haymarket said:”Our strategy continues to focus on a balanced portfolio of diversified revenues while accelerating our digital transformation. By shifting towards digital platforms and paid-content models, we are building a more sustainable and resilient business.

    “We remain firmly people-first. With over 1,200 colleagues across eight countries and an average global tenure of over seven years, our culture is our greatest asset. We continue to invest in our future through robust apprenticeship and early-career programmes in the UK and US, which are vital for driving workforce diversity and fresh perspectives.

    While we continue to invest organically, we also have the healthy cash reserves needed to pursue new ventures. Our recent acquisition of MWCR Ltd from Centaur Media Plc in September 2025 is a testament to our commitment to accelerating growth in our chosen markets.”

    Rupert Heseltine, Chairman, Haymarket Group added: “I am immensely proud that Haymarket is now a Certified B Corp™. This is a powerful testament to our commitment to accountability and transparency. In uncertain times, our geographic and sectoral diversification has made us more resilient. I want to thank every one of our employees whose talent and hard work ensure we continue to deliver the remarkable content that inspires and informs our audiences.”

    The Board remains mindful of ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties but is confident that the Group’s strong cash position and diversified revenue streams provide a robust foundation for the future. Post-balance sheet activity, including the acquisition of marketing communication assets and continued investment in technology, positions Haymarket for further growth in the 2025/26 financial year.

  • The value of newsletters in your content ecosystem

    The value of newsletters in your content ecosystem

    At the 2025 PPA Independent Publisher Conference, Chris Sopher (Co-Founder & CEO, Letterhead); Jessica Crouch Perry (Product Director, Condé Nast); and Mel McVeigh (Strategic Consultant – Digital Product, PPA) demonstrated how a strong newsletter portfolio amplifies your editorial voice, expands your owned audience, and unlocks commercial opportunities.

    Listen to the audio from the session, and read the key takeaways below

    PPA members have access to extensive resources that aren’t publicly available. If you’re a member, browse our resource hub. If you’re not a PPA member, here’s how you can get in touch and what you’re missing out on.

    PPA event delegates also receive post-event content, including write-ups and key resources. You can view our events here. And, make sure you sign up to our newsletter and event updates here.

    Key takeaways
    1. Newsletters can be your biggest traffic driver
      Newsletters give you direct access to an audience that’s actually opted in. It’s been two years since Condé Nast’s newsletter traffic overtook social, and for some brands it accounts for a quarter of all traffic.

    2. Most newsletters are too long
      Don’t try to do too much with one newsletter. Ask yourself, what is the purpose of this newsletter? Who is it going to, and what action do I want the to take? Different categories of content need their own newsletters and strategies.

    3. Newsletter sign-ups can convert into paying subscriptions
      Newsletters drive business (subscription, ads, commerce, and affiliates), and readers are four and a half times more likely to subscribe to the brand (for example, 10% of the New Yorker’s subscribers have converted from being newsletter readers).

    4. What works well for one audience won’t work for another
      To truly maximise the results, you need to be dedicated to providing what your audience wants. If you can’t answer why a newsletter exists, then it shouldn’t. Really tease out why they’re coming to you, and make it easy for them to see that you deliver on that.

  • Cosmopolitan collaborates with Boots for new season beauty box

    Cosmopolitan collaborates with Boots for new season beauty box

    After the sellout success of their summer box, Cosmopolitan has teamed up with Boots again to curate a beauty box packed with everything their readers need to transition seamlessly into the new season.

    Inside this box, you’ll find a selection of the Cosmo Beauty Team’s favourite products, from nourishing skincare to hydrating haircare and fresh make-up, including new launches and cult classics.

    Full list of products:

    • Huda Beauty Faux Filler Extra Shine Lip Gloss in the shade Foxy 3.9ml – FULL SIZE
    • Fenty Beauty Hella Thicc Volumizing Mascara in the shade Cuz I’m Black 6g – FULL SIZE
    • Amika Superfruit Star Lightweight Hair Styling Oil 50ml – FULL SIZE
    • PRMR Vitatinol Serum Gel Mask 34g – FULL SIZE
    • Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-n in the shade Getredy 3.5ml – FULL SIZE
    • Supergoop! PLAY™ Mineral Lotion SPF 30 100ml – FULL SIZE
    • e.l.f Power Grip Matte Primer 26ml – FULL SIZE
    • Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Cleanser for Sensitive Skin 250ml – FULL SIZE
    • COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum 150ml – FULL SIZE
    • FUL Intense Moisture Hair Mask 300ml – FULL SIZE
    • Mario Badescu Drying Lotion 29ml – FULL SIZE
    • Laneige Bouncy & Firm Eye Sleeping Mask 20ml- FULL SIZE
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Dewy Set Hydrating Setting Spray 30ml
    • Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion 29ml
    • Sol De Janeiro Brazilian 4Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel 90ml
    • Biodance Vita Niacinamide Gel Toner Pad 2 pads
    • Catrice Blur Balm Blush Palette 010 6g
    • Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo 50ml

    The box is available for purchase at Boots now, while stocks last.

  • Immediate launches IX: a dedicated experiential agency

    Immediate launches IX: a dedicated experiential agency

    Led by Director of Experiential, Rob Hunt, IX launches to meet the growing demand for authentic, real-world connection.

    IX offers a full-service ecosystem, distinguishing it from traditional experiential shops, leveraging Immediate’s live consumer events and creative partnership expertise.  

    Immediate has a 20 million reach across food, gardening and entertainment brands, and ishome to flagship events like the Good Food Show, BBC Gardeners’ World Live and Move It, through its consumer events division, Immediate Live. 

    The agency will call on proprietary data and consumer insights to identify specific audience segments, supported by an editorial team with an understanding of emerging consumer trends. The team will create bespoke activations, connecting brands with scaled, passionate audiences. 

    While IX is a new dedicated arm, it builds on Immediate’s over 40 experiential partnerships, ranging from Michelin-starred culinary events to high-profile film premieres. 

    Event opportunities will include: 

    • Co-branded events  
      Fully integrated experiences that can be supported where relevant by Immediate’s trusted editorial voices 
    • Community events  
      Live moments that bring like-minded audiences together 
    • Pop-ups
      High impact, immersive executions in unique spaces 
    • Road shows  
      One-stop shop for delivering unique experiences across the country 

    Brands will also be able to access Immediate’s 9m monthly social audience to provide pre and post-event engagement, as well as take advantage of Immediate’s partnerships with alternative media outlets and formats.  

    The launch team also includes Kat Tek, Head of Experiential, with strategic backing from Paul Byrom, Managing, Director of Immediate Live. and Sophie Walker, Immediate Live’s Director of Operations.

    Rob Hunt, Director of Experiential, Immediate, says: “Experiential works best when it’s credible, relevant and well-crafted. After years of delivering some of the UK’s best-loved events and consumer campaigns, launching IX is the next natural next step. We’re bringing together deep expertise to help brands move beyond pure reach and show up in new and creative spaces.

    Our goal is to create unmissable moments – putting products directly into consumers’ hands and using our ‘one team’ model to handle everything from ideation to amplification. We’re here to turn brand vision into tangible, real-world experiences.” 

  • PPA Diversity Champion Scheme

    PPA Diversity Champion Scheme

    Through free or supported PPA membership, the scheme helps remove financial and structural barriers, enabling diverse publishers and creative organisations to connect, grow, and thrive within the industry.

    By opening the door to PPA resources, events, training, and insight, the Diversity Champion Scheme plays an active role in building a more inclusive, representative, and sustainable publishing landscape.

    The scheme proudly supports organisations including:

    Together, these Diversity Champions help ensure that a broader range of voices, perspectives, and experiences are represented across the publishing industry.

    We welcome new applications to the scheme and look forward to welcoming more businesses in future. If you’re interested, get in touch with the PPA’s Head of Membership Engagement (Aisling.Hilsdon@ppa.co.uk)

  • What the revisions to EUDR mean for publisher sustainability practices moving forward

    What the revisions to EUDR mean for publisher sustainability practices moving forward

    While this document isn’t legally binding, we hope it’s a handy resource for you and your suppliers.

    At the end of last year, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was formally revised to include an exemption for printed products and a further one-year delay before implementation.

    These changes aim to simplify its implementation and ensure that operators, traders, and authorities are adequately prepared. For organisations whose products are still under scope, the application of the regulation has been delayed to 30 December 2026 for large/medium operators and 30 June 2027 for micro/small operators.

    Specific regulatory changes

    On 17 December 2025, the Parliament formally adopted the political agreement. On 18 December, the Council confirmed they had formally endorsed the agreement. And on 23 December, the Regulation amending the EUDR went through its final stage by being published in the Official Journal of the EU:

    “In Annex I, in the table, the line ‘ex 49 Printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry, manuscripts, typescripts…’ is deleted”

    Products that come under the EUDR’s scope are listed in its itinerary, which uses HS (Harmonized System) Codes: a standardised numerical method used internationally to classify traded products.

    The amendment quoted above expressly removes all products under HS Code 49. In the European Database, Chapter 49 covers “printed books, newspapers, pictures and other products of the printing industry; manuscripts, [and] typescripts”.

    Under Chapter 49, HS Code 4902 covers “newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material”. Magazines are therefore exempt from EUDR.

    Items that remain under EUDR’s scope have implications for suppliers

    While products under HS Code 49 have been removed from EUDR’s scope, those under HS Code 48 remain, carrying implications for suppliers. In the European Database, Chapter 48 covers “paper and paperboard; articles of paper pulp, of paper or of paperboard”. A full list of products that fall under this code can be found here.

    Paper:

    • Once publishers print on paper, it becomes a printed product, which is exempt from EUDR.

    • Publishers exporting printed products, such as magazines, into the EU will not be required to have done due diligence or to show evidence of their suppliers’ due diligence.

    Packaging products sold in bulk:

    • From 2027, companies that sell packaging products will be required to evidence compliance with EUDR.

    • Once packaging products are used to package a printed product, they will be exempt from EUDR.

    • Publishers packaging printed products to ship into the EU will not be required to do due diligence or show evidence of their suppliers’ due diligence.

    Looking forward

    This exemption is an important recognition of the publishing sector’s existing high standard of sustainability and the lower deforestation risk associated with printed products.

    The EUDR contains a review clause which leaves open the possibility that commodities can be added (or removed) in the future. It is therefore prudent for businesses, even those whose products are not currently in-scope of the Regulation, to continue to monitor relevant policy developments.

    This means that an ongoing commitment to sustainable best practice and awareness of environmental impact will continue to be important for publishers.

    Within the context of EUDR, this could include monitoring any potential deforestation risk associated with products purchased outside of EU territories; on top of existing compliance activities such as the FSC (Forrest Stewardship Council), PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification), and other sustainability certifications.

    As part of the revision, a mandatory simplification review has been scheduled for completion by 30 April 2026, which will focus on streamlining due diligence and improving IT system functionality. More details will follow its completion, but we do not currently foresee this introducing any new requirements for publishers.

    As it stands, from 2027, publishers should not be required to engage in EUDR. The PPA will continue to monitor the landscape and will provide prompt updates of any further changes.

    Contact charlotte.jeffreys@ppa.co.uk with any questions.

  • Turning pages into profits: reinventing the print newsstand

    Turning pages into profits: reinventing the print newsstand

    Discover how innovative publishers are transforming the newsstand into a profit engine for themselves and retailers. This session, at the 2025 PPA Independent Publisher Conference, highlighted high-growth sectors, smart strategies, and real-world case studies. 

    Speakers: Ben Oakden – Managing Director, Marketforce; Duncan Shearer – Client Services Director, Frontline Distribution Solutions; Jon Bickley – CEO, Anthem Publishing; and Lauren Holleyoake – Publisher, Grazia, Empire, and Mojo.

    Listen to the audio from the session, and read the key takeaways below

    PPA members have access to extensive resources that aren’t publicly available. If you’re a member, browse our resource hub. If you’re not a PPA member, here’s how you can get in touch and what you’re missing out on.

    PPA event delegates also receive post-event content, including write-ups and key resources. You can view our events here. And, make sure you sign up to our newsletter and event updates here.

    Key takeaways
    1. Print is trusted, and audiences are returning to it
      Readers are coming back to the high street, and print continues to offer something digital can’t: a calm, trusted, inspirational experience that audiences actively seek out.

    2. Digital fatigue is creating new opportunities for print innovation
      Younger consumers are showing signs of digital overload. Publishers are responding with high quality, fast to-market products, from trend-driven bookazines (air fryers and fandom titles like Taylor Swift) to premium brand extensions.

    3. Bookazines are a major growth engine
      They’ve become the fastest-growing part of the newsstand: evergreen, high-value, and quick to produce. Quality matters, and consumers notice and pay for it.

    4. Strong brands and communities drive success
      ‘Big Brand Energy’ will define 2026. Publishers who invest in content and build communities, not just audiences, are seeing the strongest results. If it’s good, people will buy it.

    5. It’s not print or digital, its print and digital
      The most successful strategies blend both channels. Print delivers trust, discovery, and depth; digital provides reach and daily engagement. Used together, they create powerful and connected brand ecosystems.

  • BMJ Group appoints new CEO of BMJ Publishing

    BMJ Group appoints new CEO of BMJ Publishing

    Thomas will lead all global publishing activities for the healthcare knowledge provider. This includes The BMJ journal, as well as nearly 70 speciality journals, the Group’s events, careers, and learning businesses. He will report directly to BMJ Group Board Chair, Peter Vicary-Smith. 

    Thomas brings over 20 years of international leadership experience within the Springer Group. He joins from Springer Nature, where he most recently served as Executive Vice President/Managing Director, Books, overseeing the academic books programme. His previous roles include President of Springer Nature Greater China and Managing Director for the iversity e-learning platform. 

    Niels also holds a PhD in Political Economy and remains active in the academic community as a visiting professor at a Beijing university, mentoring early-career researchers. 

    Peter Vicary-Smith, Group Board Chair, BMJ Group commented: “After a fiercely competitive global search, I am delighted that Niels is joining us in this vital role. As we focus on accelerating growth and increasing the global impact of our research, Niels brings proven leadership and a demonstrable record of delivering sustained commercial growth in strategically important regions such as China. His expertise in digital transformation and AI will be vital to the delivery of our ambitious publishing strategy”.

    Niels Peter Thomas said: “I am excited to join BMJ Group at this important time in its international growth journey. I look forward to working with a team of highly respected publishing leaders and collaborating with researchers and partners to ensure sustainable growth that delivers a long-term positive impact globally”. 

    Thomas’ role is effective from 15 April 2026.