The Booksellers Association of the United Kingdom & Ireland Limited

Whether you are contemplating working in a bookshop, planning to open your own bookshop, or are in the process of buying an existing business, listed below are the key organisations you should know about, as well as links to a range of useful resources.


Book Trade Industry News & Publications
The Bookseller (online and in-print)
BookBrunch (online)
Bookselling Essentials (The Bookseller Association's quarterly magazine)
- Bookselling and the BA (annual report)

Campaigns
Independent Bookshop Week
- Indie Book Awards
Bookshop Day
- Books Are My Bag Readers Awards

Indie Book of the Month
Irish Book Week
World Book Day

Social media and online marketing
National Book Tokens Local
Social Media for Bookshops 
Bookshop.org

Social media is a powerful tool for bookshops – it allows them to connect with existing customers and reach news ones, by offering a space for them to interact with readers in their local community, and around the globe. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X allow bookshops to share their unique stories, highlight their passion and expertise, build a brand and stay competitive in today’s market.

Further information is available on the Social Media for Bookshops page

Follow us on social media:

The Booksellers Association
- X
- Facebook
- The Booksellers Network Facebook Group (exclusive to BA Members)
- Lone Working Facebook Group (exclusive to BA Members)

Books Are My Bag
- X
- Facebook
- Instagram
- YouTube

Bookselling Ireland
- X
Facebook
- Instagram
Facebook Group (exclusive to Bookselling Ireland Members)

National Book Tokens
- X
- Facebook
- Instagram
- LinkedIn

Batch
- BatchLine User Facebook Group 

Key BA Services
- Campaigns
Batch and BatchLine 
National Book Tokens
Christmas Books
Summer Books
- Booktime Magazine

Bookshop Supply Chain & Equipment
Batch Payments and Returns
Book Industry Communication
BA Retail Directory

Stock management and websites 
- BatchLine POS
E-commerce Solutions

Employment
- The Bookseller
Bookcareers.com
Guardian Jobs
Working, jobs and pensions
Apprenticeships

Training & Networking
BA Skills Hub
- BA Conferences
BA Bookshop Socials
BA Special Interest Groups
- How to Start and Run a Bookshop (essential reading for all aspiring booksellers, existing and new bookshop managers, staff, and owners)
Transfer of Ownership - Top Tips for Buying an Existing Bookshop
- BA’s Guide to Creating a Community Bookshop
Introduction to Bookselling Course
London Book Fair Bookseller Seminars
The York Antiquarian Book Seminar
- One-day work experience placement in an independent bookshop (email Kate Gunning for more details)
 
Publisher Contacts
Hachette’s Newsletters for Booksellers
Harper Collins' Indie Thinking
Penguin Random House's All About Indies newsletter

Trade Organisations
European & International Booksellers Federation
The Publishers Association
The Independent Publishers Guild
The Book Marketing Society
Publishing Ireland
Publishing Scotland
Society of Authors
The Reading Agency
Reading Groups
 
Financial & Commercial Business Resources
GOV.UK Advice for Starting a Business (regulations, writing a business plan, registering with Companies House, registering with HMRC, finding an accountant, starting a social enterprise, etc)
British Chambers of Commerce
Write A Business Plan
Businesses & Self-Employed
mentorsme.co.uk
RICS Small Business Property Guide

Funding and Grants
GOV.UK Advice on Funding for New and Existing Businesses
- GOV.UK Guidance on Government Grants
Crowdfunding
Business Finance & Support Finder
UK Business Angels Association
British Venture Capital Association
- UK Rural Development Grants
- GOV.SCOT Supporting Business Finance 
- Business Wales: Starting Up and Business Planning
- Northern Ireland: Support for Business

For Irish Booksellers:
Local Enterprise Office (LEO) is a network of 31 offices throughout Ireland and is usually the first place to go if you need support starting or growing a business in Ireland
If you have any questions, or would like further information on how our membership products and services can help to make a difference to your business, please contact Pippa Halpin.

NB: If you’re already trading, or opening soon, you can apply for BA membership now online.