“Together we are
developing the concept
of PPA to cover the three
distinct pillars of
consumer,customer,
and business media”
PPA Annual Review 2007-08
THE TITLE of this annual review is‘fit for the future’and my
main aim with the executive team of PPA, is to ensure that as
an association we are agile and in shape for the challenges
that the next few years will throw at us.
THE PURPOSE of a trade association is to
represent the needs of its members. To be
involved with PPA means to help shape the
future direction of the industry. And it was
the chance to influence that direction that
attracted me to my role in the PPA.
Together we are developing the concept
of PPA to cover the three distinct pillars of
consumer, customer, and business media.
I know, from experience, how much overlap
there is between two of these pillars –
business and consumer – and yet how much
there is that is specific to each sector. It is our
aim to achieve balance between the specific
and the collective needs of our industry.
The challenge will be to represent the whole
membership appropriately – sometimes as
an industry, sometimes as smaller groups.
We will refocus the PPA brand, and as a start,
the business sector will become 'Business
Media UK' to ensure it is given the
prominence it deserves. This project begins
with new research mapping how much
the sector has developed and grown in just
two years.
Meanwhile, with its own distinct focus,
the customer sector can go even further in
encouraging brands to use the medium of
magazines to connect and cut through with
consumers. It is now the fastest growing
marketing medium behind online in the UK.
The connection with readers is something
that consumer publishers have mastered
over many years. The development of PPA
Consumer in the next year will seek to
integrate the advertising case being made for
magazines and the excellent consumer-facing
initiatives, such as Magazine Week, in the
face of competition from other media.
We will also continue to represent the varied
and specified needs of the full range of
PPA members, from regional publishers,
independents,partworks,teenage and children
to name a few.
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT / 05
The opportunities online are wellrecognised
by many publishers, and PPA
also recognises that exciting change in the
landscape and some of the challenges that it
poses. Additionally, over the next year, you can
expect to hear more about some elements
of social responsibility - our impact on the
environment and the case for diversity in
the industry, for example.
I am delighted that Peter Phippen has agreed
to take over as the new deputy chair, as
Nicholas Coleridge steps down. We all owe
huge thanks to Nicholas for his terrific energy
and enthusiasm in representing us.
As we move into the next year though, it is
time to pay tribute to Ian Locks. He has been
an outstanding chief executive. Over the past
19 years no one has done more to ensure
the PPA house is in good order. He has been
tireless in developing this trade association
into the impressive and hardworking outfit
it is today. He will leave it with many
successes, and fit for the future, which is
a wonderful achievement.
Helen Alexander | PPA chair, chief executive of The
Economist Group
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