Edinburgh University Press has reported sales of £3.68 million for the period ending 31st July 2020 – a 2% increase on last year. Whilst print sales were significantly impacted by the Covid lockdown, ebook sales grew by 17% and journal revenues by 9%.

Overall, the business made an operational loss of £22k – significantly better than the Covid forecast – with cash reserves at similar levels to last year.

The Press is also announcing that its CEO Timothy Wright intends to retire in July 2021 after 40 years in the publishing industry including 24 years at EUP.

In making the announcement Chair of the EUP Board, Margaret Hewinson, said: ‘I knew upon my appointment in 2019 that Timothy intended to retire and am grateful that he is staying until the end of this financial year and well into 2021. All the more so because of the exceptional way he has led and continues to lead the Press during the pandemic. We will have an opportunity nearer his departure date to thank him for all he has done to build the Press's reputation and financial strength during his time.’

Timothy Wright commented: ‘I am very pleased that we have ended the year in a much better place than we might have envisaged back in March. I have had a wonderful career at the Press, and in the publishing industry more generally, but 2021 is the right time to hand over the reins although I hope to stay involved in academic publishing in a part-time capacity. However my immediate priority is to remain focused on working with my excellent board, management team & colleagues at the Press to navigate the numerous impacts of Covid-19 and ensure that EUP remains a strong partner for academics, libraries and the wider scholarly community.'

ENDS

Contact: Anna Glazier, Head of Marketing, Edinburgh University Press, anna.glazier@eup.ed.ac.uk