The IPG Podcast IPG: helping independent publishers do better business

Will Crook, head of policy and communications at Publishers' Licensing Services (PLS), is the guest on this episode of the IPG Podcast. He discusses the vital issue of copyright in publishing, especially as it relates to the threats of Artificial Intelligence, as well as the work that PLS is doing to make sure publishers' interests are represented in government.

The EU Deforestation Regulation comes into force at the end of 2024 and has some important implications for UK publishers operating in Europe. CPI's director of environment and sustainability Lisa Faratro joins the Podcast to introduce the EUDR, explain what publishers will need to do to comply with it, and share some useful resources for support. 

With costs rising and pressure growing to reduce the carbon footprint of books, this episode of the IPG Podcast looks at what publishers can do to become more sustainable, both financially and environmentally. Our guest is Vicky Ellis-Duveen of Clays, who has some excellent advice for making many areas of print, production and supply more cost-effective and greener.

Publishers' Licensing Services is at the heart of publishing in the UK, distributing millions of pounds a year via collective licensing and supporting publishers with rights management and permissions. This episode of the IPG Podcast welcomes chief executive Tom West to talk about its history, purpose and future, as well as some of the big issues facing his organisation and publishing at the moment, including around AI. 

Suzanne Collier, founder of the Bookcareers service, joins the podcast to talk about people-related issues in publishing in 2024. She discusses subjects including recruitment, retention, wellbeing, redundancies and more, and shares some good advice for both employers and employees.

Stephanie Kitchen, co-director of the African Books Collective, joins the podcast to chat about the story and work of the organisation in improving the profile and availability of books from across Africa. She also talks about the visibility of African books in general in the UK now, and about what more can be done to get African voices heard on a global stage.