Ian Hudson, Deputy CEO, The Random House Group UK & Vice President, The Publishers Association:

We at the Random House Group are not only proud of our company, but also of the dynamic, thriving sector in which we work.  We encourage our employees to play an active role in helping shape the publishing industry of the future and firmly believe in leading the way on issues such as digitisation, diversity and the environment.

Every aspect of the publishing industry – from magazines and journals to newspapers and digital content – is currently undergoing major change. 
New digital technologies are having a huge impact on how we publish – which means we can rethink and improve everything from production processes to the way we interact with our readers. Which means anyone contemplating a career in the publishing industry will need the flexibility and energy to apply their skills and thinking in new and challenging ways.

The book publishing industry comprises three major sectors:

• Consumer books in which Random House specialises
• Educational books published for schools and students by companies like Heinemann Education and Pearson Education
• Academic books for professionals, students and academics published by the likes of Palgrave Macmillan and Taylor & Francis

On average, more than 180,000 new titles and journals are published in the UK each year, primarily by a small number of large firms like Random House, but with an increasingly significant number of independent publishers.

Although changes to consumer media consumption habits have resulted in contractions in media sectors ranging from music to newspapers, book sales are continuing to grow.  In the four years from 2003 to 2007, the UK consumer book market has seen a 26% growth in sales volume and a 21% increase in sales value. The market is now worth over £1.8 billion a year and Random House has a 15% market share. 

All of this suggests that the future for the book publishing industry and those working in it looks bright. Anyone joining it will not only become part of the largest publishing industry in Europe, but will also be helping shape and build one of the country’s most influential creative industries.